General Michael Kurilla, A Top US General Praises Islamabad’s Counter-Terror Record As “Phenomenal”
New Age Islam News Bureau
12 June 2025
Representational image.
Shutterstock
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· US ‘Hyphenating’ India And Pakistan: “A Big Blow For India From Diplomatic And Strategic Point Of View”
· General Michael Kurilla, A Top US General Praises Islamabad’s Counter-Terror Record As “Phenomenal”
· Hate Graffiti Daubed On Building Due To Be Converted Into Mosque, One Resident Described As "A Dark Stain On Us All"
· Several Western Governments Sanction Two Far-Right Israeli Ministers
· Russian Intelligence Chief warns of Rising ISIS Activity in Afghanistan
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India
· After Bakrid ‘Donation’ of a Cow To Muslim Family Backfires, Tripura BJP Faces Hindutva Outrage
· Top travel agents across India visit Kashmir to revive tourism post Pahalgam attack
· Terror suspects spotted, search operation launched in J&K's Samba
· ‘Lal Salam’ in Srinagar: CPM demands restoration of Article 370, talks with Pakistan
· J&K property of Pakistan-settled terrorist seized
· 'We've lived here for generations': Batla House residents worried as demolition looms
· MMK Rally, Conference To Stress Adequate Political Representation For Minorities
· Suvendu Adhikari claims 90% Muslims in new OBC list, TMC rejects charge: ‘BJP resorting to divide and rule ahead of polls’
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North America
· Muslims And Non-Religious Outpaced Christian Growth From 2010-2020, Reports Pew
· Muslim Candidate Mamdani Gains Ground In NYC Mayoral Race
· CAIR Calls on Trump Admin to Clarify Stance After Amb. Huckabee Says Palestinian State No Longer U.S. Policy Goal
· US religious freedom commission recommends Turkey for Special Watch List over severe violations
· LA under curfew for second night after hundreds arrested
· US to partially evacuate embassy in Iraq as Iran tensions rise
· Judge says Trump cannot deport or detain Mahmoud Khalil
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Europe
· Anti-Muslim Attacks In Berlin Surge By Nearly 70% In 2024
· The Archbishop of Albania visited Muslim Leaders in Tirana
· EU Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on the NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran
· Russia has world’s most advanced nuclear weapons – Putin
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Mideast
· Pezeshkian Urges Islamic Unity To Support Palestinians And Counter Israel
· Extremist Ben Gvir leads settler storming of al-Aqsa Mosque
· Jihad mourns death of its leader, Raeq Basharat, in Tubas
· Israel to expel French nationals on Gaza aid boat by end of week
· Milei says Argentina to move Israel embassy to Jerusalem in 2026
· Egypt backs ‘pressure on Israel’ but says Gaza actions need approval
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South Asia
· DMP Bans Gatherings Near SC, CJ's Residence Until Further Notice
· Yunus 'Lost All Options', Flew To London To Meet Tarique: BNP's Fazlur Rahman
· 23 Bangladeshi pilgrims died during the hajj in Saudi Arabia this year
· Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Sign Preferential Trade Agreement at Tashkent Forum
· US Defense Chief: Americans led majority of Afghanistan war effort
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Arab World
· 3-Month Ban On Midday Outdoor Work In Saudi Arabia From June 15 to Avoid Direct Exposure To The Sun
· Hajj Moves On: Pilgrimage Shifts To Cooler Seasons For Next 25 Years
· Several arrests made in drug crackdown across Saudi Arabia
· Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services
· Saudi king, crown prince condemn shooting that killed 10 students in Austrian school
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Africa
· NOC, NSC Parley Sports Federations on LA 2028, Islamic Games, Youth Olympics
· ‘My Job Is To Make Sure I Give Tinubu’s Critics High Blood Pressure’ – Wike
· June 12: Presidency Confirms Cancellation Of Tinubu’s Nationwide Broadcast
· Kenyan President condemns death in Police custody, orders swift investigation
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Southeast Asia
· Mowed Down At Red Light: Teen Girls Killed In Temerloh, Drugs Found In Driver’s Car
· Daripada beban jadikan aset: Tuntaskan isu bangunan terbiar
· Malaysia seeks lower tariff rates for key sectors in US talks on June 18 -Tengku Zafrul
· Government mulls proposal to establish TVET Commission - PM ANWAR
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/michael-kurilla-praises-islamabad-terror-record/d/135851
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General Michael Kurilla, A Top US General Praises Islamabad’s Counter-Terror Record As “Phenomenal”
Paran Balakrishnan
12.06.25
Representational image.
Shutterstock
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India’s diplomatic blitz to isolate Pakistan has suffered a body blow, with a top US General praising Islamabad’s counter-terror record as “phenomenal.”
General Michael Kurilla, the US commander for the Middle East and Central Asia and South Asia (Centcom), told lawmakers this week that Pakistan has been a “phenomenal partner” in America’s counterterrorism fight.
The ringing endorsement undercut New Delhi’s anti-Pakistan pitch just as an Indian parliamentary delegation was winding down a widely watched visit to Washington led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor.
“Since the beginning of 2024, Pakistan had over 1,000 terrorist attacks in the western area, killing about 700 security (personnel) and civilians, and 2,500 (were) wounded,” Kurilla said at a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
Kurilla argued in favour of strengthening ties with both India and Pakistan. But he reserved his most fulsome words of praise for Pakistan: “They are in an active counter-terrorism fight right now and they have been a phenomenal partner in the counter-terrorism world,” Kurilla said.
In another serious setback for India’s diplomatic efforts to paint Islamabad as the black sheep, Pakistan’s domestic press is reporting that hardline army chief Asim Munir will arrive in the US on Thursday and attend the US Army’s 250th anniversary parade two days later. The event coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Kurilla testified that US intelligence shared with Islamabad had led to the arrest of at least five ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) terrorists, including Mohammed Sharifullah, suspected of orchestrating a suicide bombing in 2021 at Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and at least 170 Afghan civilians.
“We’re seeing Pakistan -- with limited intelligence that we provided them -- go after them [terrorists] using their means to do that,” Kurilla added. The General told the committee that ISIS-K spends considerable time in the border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan because of a rivalry with the Afghan Taliban government.
The General’s words marked a stunning reality check for New Delhi. While India has been lobbying to have Pakistan blacklisted as a state sponsor of terror, far from shunning Pakistan, the US is anxious to keep the Islamic republic firmly onside.
Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 men dead, India launched Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military strike targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed facilities inside Pakistan.
Afterwards, to shore up global support for isolating Pakistan as a terror hub, the Modi government dispatched multi-party delegations around the world, including to the US. That mission, led by Tharoor, met senior US officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
In public statements, the State Department has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with India and support for its fight against terrorism. But it has also welcomed a Pakistani delegation led by the country’s former foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for parallel meetings, including discussions on counterterrorism cooperation.
Asked whether Pakistan had assured the US of action against terror outfits, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce would only say that the two sides discussed a range of bilateral issues. She also welcomed the fact there is now a “cessation of on-ground hostilities – as you might imagine, thank God – between India and Pakistan.”
That remark will have irked New Delhi. India has insisted there is no ceasefire – only a “pause,” at Pakistan’s request. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself declared that Operation Sindoor had not ended. Yet US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for mediating the May 10 halt in fighting and has even offered to help resolve the Kashmir dispute -- much to India’s consternation.
Meanwhile, the Pakistanis have been lavishly ladling out praise for Trump. “President Trump is a man against escalation and a man against cold and hot war,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told an audience at the US embassy in Islamabad.
He hailed Trump’s role in “de-escalating” the conflict, saying he had shown beyond any doubt that “he is a man for peace… and beneficial business deals.”
Sharif said the bilateral ties between the US and Pakistan are “entering into renewed friendship, and the close contacts are being revived".
Bhutto-Zardari echoed the praise in Washington, calling for US support in bringing India to the dialogue table. For India, long resistant to any third-party mediation on Kashmir, Trump’s overtures – and Islamabad’s eager embrace of them – highlight a considerable diplomatic setback.
One prominent place where the changes are evident is the United Nations. In a move that caught Indian observers off guard, Pakistan was elected to chair the Taliban Sanctions Committee. It will also act as vice-chair of the Counterterrorism Committee for this year.
Ironically, those committees sprang from US-led efforts to combat Al Qaeda and the Taliban — groups with profound, documented ties to Pakistan’s intelligence service.
For a country long accused of sheltering global terrorists, Pakistan now finds itself overseeing the anti-terror struggle. “Poacher turned gamekeeper,” commented one Indian official privately.
In a reminder that Pakistan still manufactures terrorists, a Pakistani citizen residing in Canada was extradited to the US on Wednesday on charges of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and attempting to commit acts of terrorism. Muhammad Shahzeb Khan is accused of planning a mass shooting in support of ISIS at a Jewish centre in New York.
All these events are playing out against the backdrop of a 20 per cent hike in Pakistan’s defence expenditure to 2.55 trillion Pakistan rupees ($9 billion) for the coming financial year, even as it cuts its overall budget by 6.9 per cent. The hike in defence spending is one of the biggest in decades.
Domestically, the diplomatic reversal doesn’t play well for the Modi government, which had insisted that its muscular foreign policy had de-hyphenated the India-Pakistan story.
In another major development, Pakistan is slated to take over the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council next month — an event that will give it further diplomatic prominence.
At the moment, India’s strategy of isolating Pakistan appears to be running out of road. Trade talks with Washington remain stalled. Russia is helping Pakistan revive a Soviet-era steel plant.
How has Pakistan found its way to Trump’s heart? There’s talk that a deal signed by a Trump family-backed venture with the Pakistan Crypto Council — days after the Pahalgam attack — may have induced Trump to take a more favourable view of Islamabad.
Ironically, that’s why the invitation to Modi for the G7 summit in Canada — after what appeared to be an unusual delay — has taken on outsized importance.
For years now, India has regularly been invited to the G7 summits.This time, just securing the invitation — even to an event hosted by Canada, a country with which India’s relations have been deeply strained in recent years — has felt like a diplomatic win.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/indias-drive-to-blacklist-pakistan-over-terrorism-hits-a-diplomatic-wall/cid/2107424
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US ‘Hyphenating’ India And Pakistan: “A Big Blow For India From Diplomatic And Strategic Point Of View”
12.06.25
Jairam Ramesh
PTI
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The Congress on Thursday criticised the United States for what it called repeated actions that suggest it is placing India and Pakistan on the same diplomatic footing. The party urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set aside his “stubbornness” and convene an all-party meeting along with a special session of Parliament to address the growing concerns.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, wrote on X that hard-won diplomatic gains were at risk. “Decades of diplomatic progress cannot be allowed to be weakened so easily,” he stated.
Citing reports that Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has been invited to an event in Washington, DC, marking US Army Day on June 14, Ramesh termed the development “a big blow for India from diplomatic and strategic point of view.”
He added, “This is the same person who used inflammatory and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attack – what is America's intention?”
Referring to recent comments by the head of US Central Command, he said, “Recently, the head of the US Central Command also stated that Pakistan is a 'great partner' of America in the fight against terrorism.”
Ramesh expressed concern over the timing of the Pakistani Army Chief’s reported participation. “Modi Government is saying that Operation Sindoor is still going on, in such a situation the participation of Pakistani Army Chief as a guest in US Army Day is definitely a matter of serious concern,” he said.
Criticising the continued posture of the US administration, Ramesh noted, “The Trump administration is constantly making such statements which can only be interpreted to mean that America is looking at India and Pakistan on the same scale.”
He added that the Prime Minister’s recent welcome of a delegation that apprised global leaders, including those in the US, about Pakistan’s involvement in terrorism was being undermined. “The Prime Minister has just welcomed the delegation that returned after informing the entire world, including the US, about Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism – and at the same time, such news is coming from Washington DC, which makes India's diplomatic position even more uncomfortable.”
Calling for a unified national response, Ramesh urged, “The Prime Minister should now put aside his stubbornness and concern for prestige and call an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament, so that the nation can clearly express its collective will and a concrete roadmap can be presented to the country.”
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/congress-slams-us-for-hyphenating-india-pakistan-raises-pitch-for-parliament-special-session/cid/2107444
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Hate Graffiti Daubed On Building Due To Be Converted Into Mosque, One Resident Described As "A Dark Stain On Us All"
11 Jun 2025
Abergavenny's former library was defaced with graffiti(Image: Gareth Wilde)
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A Grade-II listed building that was set to become a Welsh county's first mosque has been defaced with religious symbols and anti-Muslim graffiti in an act that one resident described as "a dark stain on us all". Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.
Spray-painted Christian crosses and the words "No Masjid" were discovered on the former Abergavenny library just weeks after the council's Labour-led cabinet agreed to grant a 30-year lease to Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA).
The group, a not-for-profit organisation, intends to convert the building into the county's first mosque and community centre, serving the needs of Monmouthshire's growing and diverse Muslim population.
The incident has been widely condemned by local residents and faith leaders as a shocking display of religious intolerance in a town known for its history of peaceful dissent and diversity. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The building, located in the town centre, has been out of use as a library since 2015 after services were moved to Abergavenny Town Hall.
Since then it has housed several council-run services including adult education and most recently the pupil referral unit (PRU) for children unable to attend mainstream education.
The PRU has now relocated to new premises at Old Hereford Road leaving the building vacant once again.
In May the council awarded the lease to MMCA citing the association's clear demonstration of local need. Abergavenny has the highest number of Muslims in Monmouthshire, which currently has no mosques.
In contrast Cardiff has 24 mosques while Newport has eight and Swansea has seven.
Since 2021 MMCA has been holding Friday congregational prayers at St Michael's Community Centre with the support of trustees from Our Lady and St Michael's parish. Their presence has grown steadily and they have also collaborated with schools and youth groups to promote interfaith understanding.
Andrew Lewis, a local resident, welcomed their work and said: "The Muslim community locally have been doing some great community events.
"I can only see that increasing with having their own dedicated community space. We have had them talking with Scouts as part of the World Faiths badge and I went to a Ramadan celebration and education evening at Crickhowell High School."
Although the cabinet decision was approved, three councillors called in the lease agreement for review following concerns raised members of the community.
The review meeting was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 11, at Monmouthshire County Hall in Usk.
The vandalism, which occurred just a day before that review, has triggered anger and soul-searching in the community.
"I am disgusted at the vandals who have used a precious Christian symbol to object to a former library being used for Muslims to worship in our town," said Reverend Gareth Wilde, an accredited Baptist minister.
"Abergavenny has a rich, peaceful history of non-conformist dissent from the 17th century where its adherents fought for religious freedom for those who didn't follow the established Church of England.
"These would include Baptists, Congregationalists, Presbyterian and various other chapel-attending congregations.
"Muslims are only asking to be treated with the same equality and respect and if anything should be prioritised above Christian churches wishing to use a community facility.
"As an accredited Baptist minister I wholeheartedly agree with the MCC decision to let the Carnegie Library to Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association. Please be kind to Muslims in Wales."
Another saddened resident said: "Never thought I'd see this in Abergavenny. A very sad day. We need to respect and understand everyone's beliefs and peacefully coexist in a society that has so much freedom."
One local added: "I always thought that Abergavenny was a tolerant caring community and hopefully this abhorrent graffiti was perpetrated by some hateful person outside of our community. It remains a dark stain on us all.
"This is no different from the religious persecution shown by the Nazis to the Jewish communities in the 1930s. Previous generations made a supreme sacrifice to overcome this kind of inhumanity.
"It saddens me that the gross transgressions of the past are rearing their ugly head again."
In response to the incident a sign has been placed over the graffiti reading: "What unites us is big + beautiful, what divides us is small + MEAN!"
A Gwent Police spokesman said: “We received a call at about 8.45am on Tuesday, June 10, reporting criminal damage after graffiti had been sprayed on the old library in Abergavenny overnight.
“This has now been cleaned off and we are treating it as a hate crime.”
Inspector Emma Sowrey said: “We have been carrying out onquiries to identify those responsible including house-to-house and reviewing CCTV. So far we’ve been able to establish that the damage happened at about 3am on June 10.
“I understand the concern that may be felt amongst our communities following this appalling incident which we are treating as a hate crime.
“We will not tolerate any such behaviour and are determined to identify the offenders and bring them to justice.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 quoting 2500182567. You can also send a direct message on Facebook or X or online here.
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Source: walesonline.co.uk
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https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/hate-graffiti-daubed-building-due-31833215
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Several Western governments sanction two far-right Israeli ministers
June 11, 2025
An Israeli soldier points his weapon during a military raid in the West Bank city of Nablus, Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
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Copyright © africanews
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, key partners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, are champions of Israeli settlement who support continuing the war in Gaza, facilitating what they call the voluntary emigration of its Palestinian population and the rebuilding of Jewish settlements there.
They could now face asset freezes and travel bans.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Britain, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway said Ben-Gvir and Smotrich “have incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights. Extremist rhetoric advocating the forced displacement of Palestinians and the creation of new Israeli settlements is appalling and dangerous.”
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the two men “have been inciting violence against Palestinian people for months and months and months" and “encouraging egregious abuses of human rights.”
“These measures are directed at individuals who directly contribute to extremist settler violence," said Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. "The measures are not directed against the state of Israel itself.”
Smotrich wrote on social media that he learned of the sanctions while he was inaugurating a new West Bank settlement. “We are determined to continue building,” he said. Ben-Gvir, also writing on social media, said “we overcame Pharoah, we’ll overcome Starmer’s Wall,” referring to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"Outrageous" sanctions
Israel’s government condemned the announcement, which came as traditional allies of Israel escalate denouncements of Israel's actions in Gaza, from the high civilian death toll to a monthslong blockade that led to famine warnings. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called the sanctions decision “outrageous.”
He said he had discussed it with Netanyahu and they would meet next week to discuss Israel's response. He said that the move threatened to harden Hamas' stance in ongoing negotiations to end the war in Gaza and to cut short Israel's operation in Gaza before it achieves its goals. Benny Gantz, an centrist Israeli lawmaker and political rival to Netanyahu, wrote that he “vehemently” disagreed with Smotrich and Ben-Gvir, but said the move was a "profound moral mistake and sends a dangerous message to terrorists around the world.”
Netanyahu is the target of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court last year over alleged war crimes in Gaza, part of a global wave of outrage at Israel's conduct during its 20-month war against Hamas. Netanyahu has denied the allegations and accused the court of being biased against Israel.
The Biden administration took the rare step of sanctioning radical Israeli settlers implicated in violence in the occupied West Bank — sanctions that were lifted by President Donald Trump.
Eitay Mack, an Israeli human rights lawyer who spent years campaigning for the sanctions on Smotrich and Ben-Gvir — along with violent West Bank settlers — described Tuesday's move as “historic.” “It means the wall of immunity that Israeli politicians had has been broken," he said. “It’s unbelievable that it took so long for Western governments to sanction Israeli politicians, and the fact that it's being done while Trump is president is quite amazing." Mack added: “It is a message to Netanyahu himself that he could be next."
Decades of Israeli expansion
Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war.
The Palestinians want all three territories for a future state. Successive Israeli governments have promoted settlement growth and construction stretching back decades. It has exploded under Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, which has settlers in key Cabinet posts. There are now well over 100 settlements across the West Bank that house more than 500,000 settlers.
The settlers have Israeli citizenship, while the territory's 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule, with the Palestinian Authority administering population centers. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal, and Palestinians see them as the greatest obstacle to an eventual two-state solution, which is still seen internationally as the only way to resolve the conflict.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/06/11/several-western-governments-sanction-two-far-right-israeli-ministers/
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Russian Intelligence Chief warns of Rising ISIS Activity in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
June 11, 2025
Russia has issued a stark warning about the growing presence of ISIS in Afghanistan.
At the 18th meeting of the heads of counter-terrorism agencies of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) held in Moscow, Alexander Bortnikov, Director of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), expressed serious concern over the rising activity of ISIS and its affiliated groups in Afghanistan. He emphasized that these developments pose a growing threat to regional security and stability.
Bortnikov attributed the resurgence of radical groups to Western geopolitical maneuvers. He specifically mentioned the West’s policies in the Middle East, which, according to him, have contributed to the spread of extremism. “The change of power in Syria, the conflict in Gaza, sustained pressure on Iran, and escalating tensions in Libya have collectively created fertile ground for the growth of radicalism globally,” he stated.
The Russian intelligence chief highlighted that Afghanistan has become a focal point for ISIS operations. He warned that the activities of the Islamic State and its branches are becoming increasingly aggressive in the region, particularly within Afghanistan territory, posing a threat not only to neighboring countries but also to Russian interests in Central Asia.
In addition to Afghanistan, Bortnikov mentioned rising ISIS-related threats in Syria, Pakistan, and the broader Middle East. He raised alarms about foreign fighters—especially those with Russian, Central Asian, or Caucasian nationalities—who were released from prisons in Syria and are now rejoining extremist ranks.
These concerns echo earlier warnings issued by Russia’s Ministry of Defense, which reported the presence of over 20 terrorist groups currently operating in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Russia has repeatedly stated its willingness to coordinate with the Taliban to eliminate ISIS cells operating in the country.
Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed two nights ago that they had eliminated an ISIS hideout in the city of Kabul. However, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Karen Chandler contradicted the Taliban’s claim, stating there is insufficient independent verification of their recent operation against ISIS hideouts in Kabul.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/russian-intelligence-chief-warns-of-rising-isis-activity-in-afghanistan/
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India
After Bakrid ‘Donation’ of a Cow To Muslim Family Backfires, Tripura BJP Faces Hindutva Outrage
SHANKER ARNIMESH
11 June, 2025
New Delhi: A political controversy has erupted in Tripura over a cow that Chief Minister Manik Saha allegedly arranged to pacify a Muslim family whose house was ransacked, preventing them from making a kurbani, or sacrifice on Bakrid.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long championed cow protection, came under attack from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for allegedly facilitating a cow for slaughter while the opposition demanded the arrest of the VHP followers, who ransacked the Muslim family’s house on Bakrid.
After the row erupted, the BJP’s Minority Morcha said it was their goodwill effort to help the Muslim family and the chief minister was not involved. The Morcha denied that it was a cow but said it was a bull.
“During Bakrid, kurbani is made. When we heard that the poor family didn’t have any animal to sacrifice, we, as a morcha, arranged an animal for the family. Normally, we facilitate donations during Eid and Bakrid. We, as the Minority Morcha, donated. The CM has no role in it as it is not a state government scheme. We, as human beings, helped the poor family,” BJP’s Tripura Minority Morcha head Billal Mia told ThePrint.
“Now, the Congress and CPI(M) want to make politics out of it because they lost minority votes. The BJP is a party that celebrates Durga Puja and Eid and an offering is given on Bakrid. What’s new in it?” he contended.
The controversy centres around an incident on 7 June when members of Hindutva groups allegedly disrupted the Muslim family’s ritual sacrifice, chasing away their sacrificial animal and reportedly assaulting the family, according to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind.
Hindutva outfits claimed the protest stemmed from concerns over animal sacrifice near the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple, a significant Hindu shrine in Udaipur, Tripura.
Local leaders requested the Muslim community to avoid the public slaughter of cows or other animals near the temple. However, some families allegedly defied the request, prompting a protest by local youth.
In response, Jamiat leaders met with local BJP MLA and Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy. After hearing the complaint, Roy reportedly discussed the matter with the CM and proposed gifting a cow to the aggrieved Muslim family.
Following the chief minister’s “approval”, Roy arranged for the cow and the BJP’s Tripura Minority Morcha head Billal Mia, along with other local BJP leaders, delivered it to the family. The Muslim family later expressed gratitude to the CM and the BJP for the gesture.
‘Donation can’t be sacrificed’
Billal Mia posted about the incident on Facebook on Monday evening, explicitly saying the arrangement was made under the chief minister’s direction. But after the backlash, he removed any mention of the state government or Chief Minister Saha.
The revised version stated: “In light of the unfortunate incident that took place last Saturday in Udaipur (Rajnagar), a group from the minority community has made arrangements for sacrifice today.”
BJP’s national Minority Morcha chief Jamal Siddiqui told ThePrint, “Our Morcha doesn’t give donations for sacrifices. We worship the cow. Cow and bull slaughter is banned in the country. If anybody donated a cow or bull to a family for sacrifice, it’s condemnable. Even in Islam, any donation can’t be sacrificed. It should be earned or purchased.”
The government has no scheme for helping a family for sacrifice and nor does the party, BJP’s Tripura spokesperson Subrata Chakraborty told ThePrint. “This is the first time I’ve heard of such a donation. Maybe an individual has helped but the party has no link with it.”
Meanwhile, CPI(M) and Congress leaders protested against the attack on the Muslim family and asked the chief minister to book the culprits who ransacked the family’s house.
“How come the chief minister allowed this to happen? The state government can’t donate a cow for sacrifice during kurbani day. The government has not banned kurbani,” Congress state president Ashish Saha told ThePrint.
“How come the VHP and Hindutva outfits tortured and ransacked their house? They are committing crimes against the Muslims for political gain. They should be booked as per the law. The chief minister should arrest those who ransacked the Muslim family’s house.”
The incident came as tensions flared in recent days, during Bakrid, following reports of animal slaughter in public places. The Tripura police detained two people for allegedly slaughtering a cow in public in Gomati district. In Rajnagar, clashes broke out, prompting police to mediate between Hindu and Muslim groups.
Source: theprint.in
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https://theprint.in/politics/after-bakrid-donation-to-muslim-family-backfires-tripura-bjp-faces-hindutva-outrage-oppn-attacks/2653799/
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Top travel agents across India visit Kashmir to revive tourism post Pahalgam attack
Fayaz Wani
12 Jun 2025
SRINAGAR: As tourism in the Valley has been badly hit by the Pahalgam terror attack, leading travel agents from across the country are visiting Kashmir to help revive tourism in the region.
At least 70 members of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), India's premier and largest travel trade association with over 2500 members, are on a three-day visit to Kashmir as part of the initiative 'Rally for the Valley' from June 10-12.
TAAI members have held interactions with local tourism stakeholders, including travel agents, hoteliers, houseboat owners, entrepreneurs and government officials on how to revive tourism in Kashmir again.
The TAAI’s held an event in a Srinagar hotel yesterday which was attended by local tourism stakeholders and also Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Omar said the government is working to improve the experience of tourists coming to J&K, maintaining that tourists who come to Kashmir should want to return.
"Tourists have a journey or an experience. They go home and tell others about it. I think there are lessons we’ve all learned over the past few months," Omar said and reiterated that J&K government is using this time to improve infrastructure and overall visitor experience.
The CM said, the TAAI delegation’s visit under such circumstances is a true reminder of the association's commitment to J&K and their relationship with the region.
"The leading travel agents of the country are presently in Kashmir. They have visited Lal Chowk, Dal Lake and other places in Srinagar and did not find any security concerns. They are satisfied with the overall security situation and feel that the situation is normal for the return of tourists to Kashmir," said Zahoor Ahmed Qari, ex-TAAI Kashmir chapter president.
He said the visit by TAAI members will be very helpful in the revival of tourism in Kashmir.
The travel agents will be visiting the health resort of Pahalgam today to send the loud message that "all is well and there is no need to worry."
The attack badly hit Kashmir tourism with tourists leaving the place and there were also mass cancellations. It has severely hit the occupancy in hotels in Kashmir.
The members of Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) will also be visiting Kashmir from June 13-16 to instill confidence among the tourists to return to the Valley.
"A delegation of 61 members of TAFI from all across the country will be spending two nights in Srinagar and one night in Pahalgam," Shameem Shah, TAFI J&K chapter president, told TNIE.
The delegation comprises heads of chapters, office bearers and managing committee members. The TAFI will be holding their National Joint Council (NJC) meeting in Srinagar on June 14.
“Normally, TAFI holds the NJC in Mumbai or Delhi, but this time they are holding it in Srinagar to send the message that Kashmir is as safe as any other part of the world. The TAFI delegates will promote Kashmir in the entire country,” Shameem said.
The TAFI delegates will also visit Pahalgam and meet with the local tourism stakeholders including pony walas, hoteliers, dhaba walas, cab drivers there and seek their views on tourism revival.
The National president of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) Ravi Gosain, along with 22 members from different parts of the country, will be visiting Kashmir from June 14-17 to start a tourism promotion campaign, "Rubaroo with Jammu and Kashmir."
More tour operators and business groups are likely to visit Kashmir in the coming days to send the message that Kashmir is safe for travel.
“Both TAAI and TAFI are the leading travel and trade associations of Kashmir. Their visit to Kashmir will send a very positive message outside that Kashmir is safe,” said Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) Secretary General Sajad Kralyari.
He said the travel agents after taking a first hand assessment of ground situation here will tell their people back home that Kashmir is safe for travel.
“Their words will matter most and it will surely instil confidence among the travellers from their own states and they can plan visits to Kashmir again,” Sajad said.
According to him, the visit of leading travel agents of the country to India will definitely help in revival of Kashmir tourism and putting it back on track.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Jun/12/top-travel-agents-across-india-visit-kashmir-to-revive-tourism-post-pahalgam-attack
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Terror suspects spotted, search operation launched in J&K's Samba
Jun 12, 2025
JAMMU: Security forces launched a joint search operation in the forests of Nud in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district early Wednesday, following intelligence inputs about the movement of suspected terrorists — dressed in military fatigues — in the area.
Some local villagers tipped police off after noticing the suspects moving along the Samba-Udhampur-Dhar road in Nud area of the border district. Soon after, a joint team of the Army, J&K Police’s Special Operations Group, along with a team of local cops, initiated a search operation, which continued till late evening, official sources said.
With the border town of Samba falling under the traditional infiltration route chosen by terrorists for many years, security forces treat all tips seriously and conduct searches based on any relevant information about potential terrorist presence to instil confidence among locals and thwart terror bids.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/terror-suspects-spotted-search-operation-launched-in-jks-samba/articleshow/121786291.cms
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‘Lal Salam’ in Srinagar: CPM demands restoration of Article 370, talks with Pakistan
Jun 12, 2025
SRINAGAR: Srinagar’s Tagore Hall reverberated with chants of ‘Lal Salam’ on Wednesday as CPM held a one-day convention calling for the restoration of Article 370 and initiation of dialogue with Pakistan.
The convention stood out as a rare political event in Kashmir Valley, where even most of the regional parties have largely shifted discourse to demanding the restoration of statehood rather than raising the issue of restoring J&K’s special status.
Addressing party workers at the event, titled ‘Convention for the Restoration of Legitimate Constitutional Rights of the People of Jammu and Kashmir’, CPM general secretary M Alexander Baby said the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to J&K, amounted to betrayal. “Before adding it into the Constitution of India, Article 370 was thoroughly deliberated upon and agreed to,” Baby said.
He hit out at Union home minister Amit Shah for claiming that the abrogation of Article 370 had brought peace and development to Kashmir.
Baby, accompanied by several party MPs and other functionaries, also visited border areas in Uri to assess the destruction caused by Pakistani shelling during Operation Sindoor. He said the compensation offered to affected residents was inadequate. “Govt is providing only Rs 1.3 lakh for damaged houses and residential structures. That amount is meagre,” he said, adding that party MPs would raise the issue in the Lok Sabha.
The CPM leader, who also met family members of Adil Shah, the ponywallah killed in Pahalgam terror attack, said Kashmiris had been fighting terrorism for years, but the current administration had marginalised elected representatives of the state. During the security review meetings, it’s the LG, a nominee of the Centre, who chaired the meeting, while the elected chief minister Omar Abdullah was excluded, Baby said, adding that “this only emboldens the terrorists”.
Baby asserted that terrorism must be fought, but war was not a solution. “Military options are limited. On May 7, certain steps were taken, but we must stop there and begin negotiations,” he said, calling for bilateral talks between India and Pakistan. Rejecting any third-party intervention, he said US President Donald Trump shouldn’t have any role.
CPM leader from Kashmir, M Y Tarigami, also criticised the central govt for bifurcating J&K and stripping it of statehood and special status. “This is the only region in the country where such a reversal (from state to Union Territory) has happened. Elsewhere, UTs have been upgraded to full states,” Tarigami said.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/lal-salam-in-srinagar-cpm-demands-restoration-of-article-370-talks-with-pakistan/articleshow/121786407.cms
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J&K property of Pakistan-settled terrorist seized
Jun 12, 2025
JAMMU: The property of a terrorist, presently settled in Pakistan, was attached in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district on Wednesday. The police have also issued a proclamation notice against three ‘anti-nationals’ wanted in a 2009 case registered under the Enemy Agents Ordinance Act in Doda.
Mohd Saleem, whose agricultural land was seized, is involved in a police case in Banihal. He absconded to Pakistan to escape legal proceedings, police said. “The court ordered attachment of his property after declaring him a proclaimed offender,” an officer said.
“The action marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into unlawful and subversive activities in the region,” the officer said. Police, in collaboration with other agencies, remain resolute in their mission to take stringent measures against those involved in activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, the officer added.
Meanwhile, proclamation notice was issued against Mohd Shafi, Shams Din and Farooq Ahmad of Manjmi Bhagwah village in Doda district.
Source: indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-property-of-pakistan-settled-terrorist-seized/articleshow/121786182.cms
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'We've lived here for generations': Batla House residents worried as demolition looms
Prabhat Shukla
12 Jun 2025
NEW DELHI: Inside the maze of congested bylanes of southeast Delhi’s Batla House, families pack up their possessions as they prepare to leave the place they called home for decades now.
“We’ve lived here for generations. Now, they just paste a notice and expect us to disappear,” said 65-year-old Abdul Rashid, who has been living in the locality since 1980.
The notice in question was issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on May 26, informing residents that Khasra number 279, on Muradi Road, belongs to authority, making all structures on the land unauthorised.
Residents were given 15 days’ notice to vacate the land with a demolition drive set to begin on June 11. A cloud of apprehension looms as hundreds of families in the area are living under threat of eviction.
“Most people who lived here on rent have already moved away. Among the homeowners, those who have the means have also shifted. But the rest of us don’t have any other option. If the authorities actually do carry out the demolitions, we will be in ruin,” Rashid laments.
The DDA notice excludes houses under the PM-UDAY scheme meant to regularise Delhi’s unauthorised colonies, but many claim they were unfairly left out despite submitting the necessary paperwork.
Faizan Quereshi, another local, shows electricity bills and a property tax receipt dating back to 1992.
“This is not an unauthorised settlement. It was regularised decades ago. We have documents, addresses, connections, all legal.”
Residents are left to endure an uncertain future.
“My children have exams. My wife is unwell. We can’t sleep at night with the notice hanging around our necks,” Parveen Akhtar, a resident of Khizar Baba Colony. said. “We don’t know if tomorrow the bulldozers will come.”
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/Jun/12/weve-lived-here-for-generations-batla-house-residents-worried-as-demolition-looms
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MMK Rally, Conference To Stress Adequate Political Representation For Minorities
June 11, 2025
Papanasam MLA and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi president M.H. Jawahirullah on Wednesday said that the party is organising a rally followed by a conference in Madurai on July 6 emphasising the need for adequate political representation for the minorities and to repeal the Waqf Amendment Act.
Addressing mediapersons in Madurai during a party meeting, he said as of June 2025, out of the 776 seats of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, only 39 of them were Muslims, 24 in Lok Sabha and 15 in Rajya Sabha which is 4.42% in Lok Sabha and 6.4% in Rajya Sabha, he said, adding there was no adequate political representation for Muslims.
In the State Assemblies it was the same. There were a total of 4,123 MLAs across India. Out of this only 296 were Muslims. This was 7.18 %. Even in those States which had a sizable population of Muslims, there was no adequate representation, he said.
In Tamil Nadu Assembly there were a total of 234 seats. However, there were only 7 Muslim MLAs. Even in local bodies, the number of Muslim representatives had reduced, he said. There were only 4 Muslim ward councillors in Greater Chennai Corporation, he said, adding the situation was similar in Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai and Tirunelveli Corporations.. He said the political parties were not giving priority to the minorities which they should.
He said the Waqf Amendment Act should be repealed. Section 40 of the Waqf Act authorises the Waqf Board to decide whether a property was Waqf property. However, the amendment to the Act took away this right. Waqf Board CEO should be a Muslim. Even this was removed by the amendment, he said.
MMK has planned to conduct a rally and a conference in Madurai stressing the need for adequate political representation for the minorities and to repeal the Waqf Amendment Act. Thousands of people are expected to participate and voice their support, he said.
Answering queries on the alliance with DMK, Mr. Jawahirullah said they were in a political alliance that opposed fascism and DMK alliance opposed BJP’s ideology. To a query on Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticising DMK government for not fulfilling its poll promises, Mr. Jawahirullah said Mr. Shah had no right to criticise DMK government and the government was implementing various welfare schemes for the benefit of the people. To a query on TVK, he said BJP was operating TVK Chief Vijay.
Source: thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/mmk-rally-conference-to-stress-adequate-political-representation-for-minorities/article69683591.ece
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Suvendu Adhikari claims 90% Muslims in new OBC list, TMC rejects charge: ‘BJP resorting to divide and rule ahead of polls’
by Atri Mitra
June 12, 2025
A day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected the allegations that her government was planning to give reservation based on religion, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday doubled down on the charge, claiming that new additions to the OBC (Other Backward Class) list have close to 90 per cent Muslim groups. The ruling TMC dismissed the claims, saying the BJP was trying to pit Hindus against Muslims ahead of the next year’s Assembly elections in the state.
“In West Bengal, (OBC) means One-Sided Beneficiary Classes. Mamata Banerjee said on the floor of the Assembly that the OBC list has not been prepared on religion basis. Let’s fact-check her claim,” Adhikari posted on X, wih images of the purported lists of the communities’ names that have been given OBC status in the new list.
The senior BJP leader claimed that before 2010, there were 66 groups in the OBC list, of which 11 belonged to the Muslim community, making the percentage of “Muslim classes” in the list 20 per cent.
In 2025, under the Mamata Banerjee government, he claimed, 46 of the 51 groups added in the “first part” (OBC-A) were Muslims, which, he said, amounted to 90 per cent of the added groups.
In the “second part” (OBC-B), he claimed, 25 more groups were added, out of which 21 were Muslims, amounting to 84 per cent.
“Furthermore, the Government of West Bengal, through Notification No. 1106-BCW/MR-33/2025 dated June 3, 2025, has increased the reservation for OBCs in state services and posts to 17%, which includes 10% reservation for Category-A (More Backward) and 7% for Category-B (Backward) Classes. Previously, a 7% reservation was in place since 1997,” Adhikari said, adding “just look at the peak of appeasement politics”.
“The new list prepared by Mamata Banerjee Govt is simply the brazen Contempt of Court,” Adhikari concluded.
Reacting to Adhikari’s allegations, the TMC said, “We all know that ‘Divide and Rule’ is the official policy of BJP, and your only agenda for the 2026 elections is to pit Hindus against Muslims.”
The state government stated that the chief minister “made it crystal clear that backwardness, not religion, is the sole criterion for OBC status. “The new list was prepared with that principle in mind. So stop misleading the people with your lies,” the party said.
According to a government notification dated June 3, 2025, the total number of OBCs (Backward+ More Backward) is 140, comprising 80 Muslims and 60 non-Muslims, with Muslims making up 57.14% of the total.
This breaks down into two categories:
a. More Backward OBCs (Category A) with 49 members, including 36 Muslims and 13 non-Muslims, with Muslims accounting for 73.47%.
b. Backward OBCs (Category B) with 91 members, including 44 Muslims and 47 non-Muslims, with Muslims making up 48.35%.
On Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee, while laying out the report of the West Bengal Commission for Backward Classes in the state Assembly, said, “Some corner is trying to campaign that the state government is providing reservations on the basis of religion, which is baseless.”
“We made the new list of OBC-A and OBC-B on the basis of a scientific benchmark survey conducted by the Commission and included those communities who are backward. There is no question of making a list of OBC categories on the basis of religion,” she added.
Last year, the West Bengal government and other petitioners moved the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court, on May 22, 2024, cancelled all OBC certificates issued by the state since 2010, saying “religion indeed appears to have been the sole criterion” for granting OBC status to 77 communities.
The West Bengal government on March 18 this year informed the Supreme Court that a fresh exercise for the identification of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the state would be conducted, following which the Supreme Court agreed to adjourn the matter by three months and take it up in July.
Source: indianexpress.com
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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/suvendu-adhikari-slams-bengal-govts-new-obc-list-10060799/
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North America
Muslims and non-religious outpaced Christian growth from 2010-2020, reports Pew
June 11, 2025
The number of Muslims in the world and the number of people who do not have a religious affiliation both grew faster than the number of Christians globally between 2010 and 2020, reports the Pew Research Center.
According to a recently released report based on the US-based research centre’s analysis of more than 2,700 censuses and surveys, while Christians (of all denominations, counted as one group) remained the world’s biggest religious group, they did not keep pace with global population growth during this decade.
Pew’s report notes that the number of Christians rose by 122 million, reaching 2.3 billion. Yet, as a share of the world’s population, Christians fell [Pew’s emphasis] 1.8 percentage points, to 28.8 per cent.
Muslims were the fastest-growing religious group over the decade. The number of Muslims increased by 347 million – more than all other religions combined. As a result, the share of the world’s population that is Muslim rose by 1.8 points, to 25.6 per cent.
People with no religious affiliation – so-called “nones” – were the only category aside from Muslims that grew as a percentage of the world’s population.
The number of religiously unaffiliated people rose by 270 million, reaching 1.9 billion. The share of “nones” climbed nearly a full percentage point, to 24.2 per cent.
The United States, as of 2020, is the country with the world’s second-largest number of religiously unaffiliated people, after China, and surpassing Japan.
Collectively, 75.8 per cent of the world’s people identified with a religion as of 2020. The remaining 24.2 per cent did not identify with any religion, making people with no religious affiliation the third-largest group in this study, after Christians and Muslims.
At the same time, “due to disaffiliation from Christianity, there now are fewer Christian-majority countries and more countries with a religiously unaffiliated majority than there were in 2010,” Pew highlights.
Its research also confirmed that sub-Saharan Africa is now home to the largest number of Christians, surpassing Europe.
As of 2020, 30.7 per cent of the world’s Christians live in sub-Saharan Africa, compared with 22.3 per cent in Europe. This change, Pew says, “was fuelled by differences in the two regions’ rates of natural increase (with much higher fertility rates in Africa than in Europe), as well as by widespread Christian disaffiliation in Western Europe”.
Regarding the third Abrahamic faith – alongside Christianity and Islam – Jews “held steady as a share of the world’s population,” reports Pew.
The number of Jews worldwide grew by nearly 1 million, reaching 14.8 million. In percentage terms, Jews were the smallest group in the study, representing about 0.2 per cent of the world’s population.
The report noted that the regional concentration of Jews has changed. As of 2020, 45.9 per cent of Jews live in the Middle East-North Africa region, while 41.2 per cent reside in North America. In 2010, North America was the region where the largest number of Jews lived.
This shift was primarily the result of Israel’s Jewish population growing from 5.8 million to 6.8 million between 2010 and 2020, through a combination of natural increase and migration.
Buddhists were the only major religious group that had fewer people in 2020 than a decade earlier. The number of Buddhists worldwide dropped by 19 million, declining to 324 million. As a share of the global population, Buddhists slipped by 0.8 points, to 4.1 per cent.
Hindus grew at about the same rate as the world’s overall population. The number of Hindus rose by 126 million, reaching 1.2 billion. As a proportion of the global population, Hindus held steady at 14.9 per cent.
All other religions combined (including Baha’is, Daoists, Jains, Sikhs, adherents of folk religions and numerous other groups) expanded in tandem with the rest of the world. Their share of the global population held steady at 2.2 per cent.
Source: thecatholicherald.com
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https://thecatholicherald.com/muslims-and-non-religious-outpaced-christian-growth-between-2010-2020-reports-pew/
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Muslim candidate Mamdani gains ground in NYC mayoral race
11 June, 2025
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a 33-year-old Queens state assemblyman born in Uganda to Indian-Muslim and academic roots, is mounting a bold run for New York City mayor, one that has quickly turned him into a leading progressive contender.
Now neck-and-neck with former Governor Andrew Cuomo ahead of the 24 June Democratic primary, Mamdani’s path, from Kampala to South Africa to New York, has shaped a campaign grounded in housing justice, transit equity, and Palestinian solidarity.
From Uganda to City Hall
Born in Kampala to a renowned academic father?and filmmaker mother, Mamdani grew up witnessing displacement and inequality. His journey from South Africa and then New York, including turning down foreclosure as a counsellor, has shaped his campaign.
In the State Assembly, he led the fight to erase over $450?million in taxi medallion debt, championed fare-free buses, and co-founded Students for Justice in Palestine at Bowdoin College.
"Working-class New Yorkers are being pushed out of the city they built," he once declared at a campaign street rally.
Mamdani’s political manifesto includes a freeze on more than 2.4?million rent-stabilised units, free citywide buses, union-built affordable housing, city-owned grocery stores, and universal pre-K. He has also pledged to tax corporations and slash university tax breaks, slicing $6?billion for childcare and $700?million for zero-fare transit.
The policy pitch is steep, yet Mamdani counters fears of business exodus by pointing to tax parity with New Jersey.
AOC endorsement and BDS support
Progressive luminaries have galvanised his momentum. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appeared with him at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, while Rep. Nydia Velázquez joined his campaign team.
Senator Bernie Sanders’s possible endorsement is still looming and could reinforce his left-wing support base. Recent polls show him trailing Cuomo narrowly in ranked-choice simulations, 51–49 in one and 56–44 in another.
Meanwhile, Cuomo, endorsed by Bloomberg and backed by a $2.5 million landlord super PAC, leans on experience and establishment networks.
Mamdani’s Muslim identity and outspoken stance on Palestine have thrust identity politics to the centre stage. More than 60 Jewish leaders condemned State Senator John Liu for endorsing Mamdani, calling him anti-Israel and accusing him of anti-semitism.
The campaign rails over Israel’s war on blockaded Gaza, with Mamdani’s critique fanning debate: "Why do we find money to kill kids," he asked at a rally.
During a forum hosted by progressive Jewish groups on Sunday, Mamdani said he may not be allowed into Israel when asked whether he would continue a decades-old tradition of visiting Tel Aviv if elected.
"I’m not even sure if I would be allowed to enter Israel," Mamdani said, pointing to legislation passed by the Knesset in 2017 that bars entry to foreigners who support the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
"Because I think there’s legislation that prohibits the entry of anyone who supports that. So it is both a question for me, but also, were the answer to be different, I think the result would be the same."
While Mamdani has not called for New York City itself to join the BDS movement, his history of support has become a flashpoint in the campaign.
"At the core of my politics is the belief in nonviolence. And having seen the efficacy of nonviolent movements in creating compliance with international law, specifically with South Africa, that’s what brought me to support BDS," he said.
If elected, Mamdani would be the city’s first Muslim mayor, and the first to bring a deeply progressive, openly pro-Palestinian stance into the five boroughs' top job.
Source: newarab.com
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https://www.newarab.com/news/muslim-candidate-mamdani-gains-ground-nyc-mayoral-race
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CAIR Calls on Trump Admin to Clarify Stance After Amb. Huckabee Says Palestinian State No Longer U.S. Policy Goal
June 11, 2025
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Trump administration to clarify its stance on the creation of a Palestinian state – which has been U.S. policy since 1993 – after Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said it is no longer a goal.
CAIR also welcomed an announcement by Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK of sanctions on two extremist Israeli government ministers for repeatedly “inciting violence against Palestinians.” Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich will be banned from travel to those nations and will have their assets frozen.
In an interview with Bloomberg News, Ambassador Huckabee replied, “I don’t think so,” when asked whether a Palestinian state on its historic land is still a policy goal of the United States. Huckabee also reportedly stated: “Unless there are some significant things that happen that change the culture, there’s no room for it.” He also said it should be up to “Muslim countries” to provide land for a Palestinian state on their territory.
Huckabee has previously questioned Palestinian identity, saying there is “no such thing as a Palestinian.”
Reuters is reporting that the Trump administration is even discouraging governments from attending a U.N. conference next week on a possible two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.
The vast majority of the world’s nations support statehood for the Palestinian people.
The New York Times reports: “Asked about Mr. Huckabee’s remarks, a State Department spokeswoman, Tammy Bruce, told reporters, ‘I think he certainly speaks for himself,’ and added: ‘When it comes to American policy and certainly where the president stands, I’d suggest you call the White House.’”
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“We ask the Trump administration to clarify whether these comments by Ambassador Huckabee, seeming to reverse decades of American policy in the region, are his personal views or the new stance of the administration. Is it now our nation’s policy that Palestinians are the only people on earth who do not deserve to live in a sovereign state with full rights and human dignity? Our government’s complicity with Israel’s genocide is currently denying life and freedom to Palestinians. Will it also deny them these rights in perpetuity?”
Israel has slaughtered more than 55,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in its Gaza genocide. The government of indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu has forcibly displaced almost the entire population of Gaza and is waging a campaign of mass destruction and forced starvation designed – as repeatedly stated by government officials – to ethnically-cleanse the population.
Last week, CAIR condemned the latest Israeli massacre of starving Palestinians who were seeking food for their families in Gaza.
CAIR also recently called on the Trump administration to shut down the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation after Israeli forces reportedly killed 27 starving Palestinians at an aid distribution site in Rafah.
Earlier this month, CAIR condemned so-called Israeli aid concentration sites in Gaza as really “killing zones” after Israel slaughtered least 31 people and wounded more than 150.
Source: cair.com
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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-trump-admin-to-clarify-stance-after-amb-huckabee-says-palestinian-state-no-longer-u-s-policy-goal/
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US religious freedom commission recommends Turkey for Special Watch List over severe violations
By Turkish Minute
June 11, 2025
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended that Turkey be placed on the State Department’s Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom, the Stockholm Center for Freedom reported, citing the commission’s 2025 annual report.
According to the report, religious freedom conditions in Turkey continued to follow a troubling trajectory in 2024. The designation emphasized challenges faced by religious minorities in Turkey, including restrictions on legal recognition, access to places of worship and clergy residency, despite some government efforts to restore historic religious sites.
The report states that under the administration of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan religious minorities, including Alevis, Protestant Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses, encounter barriers to legal recognition, constructing or administering houses of worship and securing legal residence for foreign-born clergy.
The government’s emphasis on Sunni Islam as central to Turkish national identity has marginalized non-Sunni Muslims, non-Muslims and secularists, with state institutions, including schools, reinforcing this narrative.
According to the report, Turkey’s Penal Code Article 216, which prohibits incitement of hatred based on religious differences, is frequently used by authorities to criminalize perceived blasphemy against state-approved interpretations of Islam.
In January 2024 the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) filed a criminal complaint against writer Sevan Nisanyan for disparaging on YouTube the Islamic call to prayer. In February lawyer Feyza Altun was detained by the Beykoz Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul for a social media post denouncing Sharia law. She was released the next day under an international travel ban and police parole but received a nine-month deferred sentence in May.
Protestant Christians face zoning restrictions, bans on training Turkish-born clergy and a lack of burial rights for Turkish Protestants. Jehovah’s Witnesses encounter financial penalties for conscientious objection. Authorities have also imposed national security bans on foreign Protestant clergy legally residing in Turkey, with the Constitutional Court ruling in February 2024 that such measures, including re-entry bans and permit cancellations, did not violate religious freedom.
Historical religious communities, including Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic groups, also face challenges. In May 2024 the government converted Istanbul’s Byzantine-era Chora Church, a former museum, into a mosque, sparking criticism. Eastern Orthodox clergy faced delays in renewing residence permits, exacerbating constraints since the 1971 closure of the Halki Theological School, which halted domestic clergy training.
Turkey hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, including Uyghur Muslims, Gonabadi Sufis, Baha’is and Christian converts fleeing persecution from countries like China and Iran.
The report documented that some refugees face long waits for third-country resettlement, restrictions on internal movement and risks of arbitrary detention and deportation. In September 2024 Turkish authorities deported a Gonabadi Sufi refugee to Iran, where he was detained in Evin Prison, facing the religious persecution he had fled. The report also noted that authorities denied refugee claims of some Iranian Christian converts, inaccurately asserting that deportation to Iran posed no safety threat.
Jewish communities in Istanbul and Ankara have expressed appreciation for police protection but voiced concerns over political leaders’ rhetoric about Israel, which has drawn on antisemitic narratives, fostering hostility.
According to the report, despite the constitution affirming secularism and freedom of religion, the authorities tightly control religious affairs, often favoring Sunni Muslim institutions.
Religious freedom challenges extend to education, where compulsory “religious culture and morals” courses emphasize state-approved Sunni Islam, despite a “supra-sectarian” policy. The Ministry of Education’s 2024 “Education System for the Century of Turkey” curriculum overhaul sparked controversy for invoking religious concepts, misrepresenting Alevi traditions and imposing religiously justified norms.
A total of 12 countries are recommended for placement on the State Department’s Special Watch List based on their governments’ perpetration or toleration of serious violations: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the US Congress to monitor, analyze and report on threats to religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the president, secretary of state and congress to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief.
Source: turkishminute.com
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https://www.turkishminute.com/2025/06/11/us-religious-freedom-commission-recommends-turkey-for-special-watch-list-over-severe-violations/
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LA under curfew for second night after hundreds arrested
June 12, 2025
A curfew is in place for a second night in Los Angeles after nearly a week of unrest in the city over US immigration raids.
Multiple people were arrested for violating the downtown curfew shortly after it came into effect at 20:00 local time (03:00 GMT), the BBC's US partner CBS reported.
Nearly 400 people have been arrested in LA since protests began on Friday, including 330 undocumented migrants and 157 people arrested for assault and obstruction, including one for the attempted murder of a police officer.
Federal prosecutors have so far charged two men for throwing Molotov cocktails at police officers in two separate incidents.
A total of 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines have been deployed to help quell the unrest. Some of those National Guard troops are now authorised to detain people until police can arrest them.
As the overnight curfew began, LA Mayor Karen Bass wrote on X that it was designed to "stop bad actors who are taking advantage of the president's chaotic escalation".
She had earlier blamed the demonstrations on US President Donald Trump's immigration raids, which she said "provoked" residents by causing "fear" and "panic".
"A week ago, everything was peaceful," she told a news conference on Wednesday.
"Things began to be difficult on Friday when raids took place."
Bass suggested Los Angeles was "part of a national experiment to determine how far the federal government can go in taking over power from a local government, from a local jurisdiction".
She has previously called on the administration to end the raids.
Overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday, Los Angeles police said they made "mass arrests" after a fifth day of protests over the immigration action.
In a series of statements, the city's police department said that those detained included 203 people arrested for failure to disperse, 17 for curfew violations, three for possession of a firearm, and one for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
Two officers were injured in the skirmishes, the statement added.
On Tuesday, Bass declared an overnight curfew within a relatively small area of the city's downtown district, saying businesses were being vandalised and looted.
After the LA curfew came into force at 20:00 local time on Tuesday, police moved through downtown areas, firing rubber bullets to try to disperse crowds.
Explaining the curfew on Tuesday, Bass said she wanted "to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting", saying the city had reached a "tipping point".
The curfew order affects an area of about one square mile in the second-largest city in the US.
Police chief Jim McDonnell said: "Some of the imagery of the protests and the violence gives the appearance as though this is a city-wide crisis, and it is not."
Pam Bondi, the US Attorney General, told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the curfew "helped a bit".
Elsewhere, the immigration raids have continued, alongside the National Guard troops.
The National Guard and Marine forces deployed to Los Angeles do not have the authority to make arrests, only to detain protesters.
"They are strictly used for the protection of the federal personnel as they conduct their operations and to protect them to allow them to do their federal mission," said Maj Gen Scott Sherman, who is leading the deployment, on Wednesday.
Some 500 National Guard troops have already been trained to accompany agents on immigration raids and some troops have already temporarily detained people in LA protests, Sherman told US media outlets.
Those troops are authorised to detain people until police are able to arrest them, he said.
Trump's row with state officials ramped up after he deployed troops to LA. The president has now vowed to "liberate" the city, but he has been accused by California Governor Gavin Newsom of an "assault" on democracy.
Trump earlier this week defended his decision to send troops, saying it was to prevent the city being "conquered by a foreign enemy".
Newsom hit back at the president: "He again chose escalation; he chose more force."
The California governor, who is seen as a potential presidential contender for the Democratic Party, warned that "other states are next".
On Wednesday, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth backed Trump's move, telling a Senate hearing that sending the troops to Los Angeles was "lawful and constitutional".
The military deployment to the LA area will cost $134m (£99m), the Pentagon said.
Trump described the protests as a "full-blown assault on peace and public order" while addressing troops at the Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina.
The Republican president said he plans to use "every asset at our disposal to quell the violence".
Meanwhile, Trump's political row with state officials has intensified. The president has described the protesters as "animals" and vowed that "this anarchy will not stand".
He urged troops to boo the names of Newsom and Joe Biden, his presidential predecessor, during his Fort Bragg speech.
In televised remarks of his own on Tuesday night, Newsom again criticised the president's rare deployment of the US military without a request from state officials. He accused Trump of a "brazen abuse of power".
"California may be first – but it clearly won't end here," he said. "Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes."
Trump has set a goal for border agents of at least 3,000 daily arrests as he seeks to ramp up mass deportations, a signature pledge of his re-election campaign.
Since assuming office, the president has drastically reduced illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border to historically low levels.
A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted in early June, before the protests kicked off, found 54% of Americans saying they approved of Trump's deportation policy, and 50% approved of how he was handling immigration.
That compares with smaller numbers of 42% who gave approval to his economic policy and 39% for his policy on tackling inflation.
Source: bbc.com
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US to partially evacuate embassy in Iraq as Iran tensions rise
June 12, 2025
Non-essential US embassy staff and their dependants in Baghdad are to be evacuated from Iraq due to heightened security risks, US government sources have said.
Officials did not say exactly what prompted the removal, but have been told Israel was ready to launch an operation into Iran, the BBC's US partner CBS reported.
This was part of the reason some Americans were advised to leave the region, officials said, adding that they anticipated Iran could retaliate on certain US sites in Iraq.
It comes as US talks over Iran's nuclear programme appear to have stalled in recent days.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is still planning on holding talks with Iran about its nuclear program on Sunday, officials told CBS.
Witkoff will meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Muscat, Axios reported.
A US state department official told the BBC: "We are constantly assessing the appropriate personnel posture at all our embassies.
"Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our mission in Iraq."
Speaking at the Kennedy Center, US President Donald Trump told reporters Americans were advised to leave the region "because it could be a dangerous place, and we'll see what happens".
Trump also reiterated that the US did not want Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. "We're not going to allow that," he said.
The president has hoped to strike a deal to stop Tehran developing a nuclear weapon.
Earlier this week, he held a 40-minute phone call, which was said to be "tense", with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long argued for a military rather than diplomatic approach.
On Monday, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors meet in Vienna to discuss Iran's nuclear programme and other issues.
The meeting comes after the IAEA released a report criticising the "less than satisfactory" co-operation from Tehran, particularly in explaining past cases of nuclear material found at undeclared sites.
Iran said the IAEA report was unbalanced, and that it relied on "forged documents" provided by Israel.
With the nuclear talks at a critical moment, it is not yet clear how much the US announcement is about signalling as opposed to genuine concern.
But Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said his country would retaliate against US bases in the region if talks failed and Trump ordered military strikes against the Islamic Republic.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also approved the voluntary departure of families of American military personnel from countries across the Middle East, including Kuwait and Bahrain, Reuters news agency reported.
Testifying in front of a congressional panel on Wednesday, the Pentagon said he believed there were "plenty of indications" that Iran was "moving their way towards something that would look a lot like a nuclear weapon".
Iran says its uranium enrichment programme was for civilian energy generation and that it was not trying to build an atomic bomb.
The UK's Maritime Trade Operations organisation - part of the Royal Navy - warned on Wednesday that increased military tensions in the Middle East could affect shipping.
The price of oil initially increased more than 4% when news of the US evacuation broke, in anticipation of regional insecurity potentially leading to supply problems.
Around 2,500 US troops are based in Iraq, according to the defence department.
In January 2020, Iran fired missiles at air bases housing US forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US strike that killed top Iranian General Qasem Soleimani.
No US military personnel stationed at the base were killed, but dozens were later diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries.
Source: bbc.com
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Judge says Trump cannot deport or detain Mahmoud Khalil
June 12, 2025
A federal judge said on Wednesday that the Trump administration cannot deport or continue to detain Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist who was arrested by immigration officers in March.
But Judge Michael Farbiarz put a pause on his injunction until the morning of 13 June to give the federal government time to appeal. Mr Khalil will be detained at least until that point.
In his written decision, Judge Farbiarz said there was no compelling interest to keep Mr Khalil in custody or to deport the 30-year-old, who is a lawful permanent resident.
Since he was arrested at his home in New York, Mr Khalil has been held at a detention centre in Louisiana.
He was taken into custody as part of President Donald Trump's wider crackdown on international students who protested the Israel-Gaza war.
Mr Khalil has become one of the most high-profile cases in that crackdown, with videos of his arrest whipping around social media and the birth of his child in April, while he was being held, making headlines.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had determined his presence and activities in the country compromised US foreign policy interests and he should be removed, but the judge on Wednesday questioned using the determination to hold or deport Mr Khalil.
He also wrote that Mr Khalil's "career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled --- and this adds up to irreparable harm" and that he expects Mr Khalil to win in the case against him.
The federal government is expected to appeal against the injunction.
Mr Khalil's attorneys at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) released a statement celebrating the injunction as a win for their client.
"Today's ruling is a huge win for the Constitution and the rights of citizens and non-citizens alike," said Brett Max Kaufman, a senior counsel for the group. "No one should be imprisoned or deported for their political beliefs."
Mr Khalil's wife Noor Abdalla called for him to be released immediately and sent home "to be with me and our newborn baby, Deen".
In a statement provided by the ACLU, she said: "I will not rest until Mahmoud is free, and hope that he can be with us to experience his first Father's Day at home."
Source: bbc.com
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Europe
Anti-muslim attacks in Berlin surge by nearly 70% in 2024
BY DAILY SABAH WITH AA
JUN 11, 2025
Anti-Muslim attacks and discrimination cases in Berlin rose by nearly 70% in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a new report by Germany’s Alliance Against Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate (CLAIM).
The group recorded 644 incidents targeting Muslims in the German capital last year, ranging from verbal abuse to institutional discrimination in schools, workplaces and housing.
“This new annual report paints an alarming picture for our city,” said Rima Hanano, co-director of CLAIM, at a press conference in Berlin. “There are now almost two anti-Muslim incidents occurring every day in Berlin.”
Hanano stressed that Muslim women were disproportionately affected, accounting for approximately 64% of cases where the gender was known. Many were reportedly accompanied by children at the time of the incidents.
The report also notes that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, as many victims choose not to report their experiences due to fear or lack of trust in authorities.
The spike in attacks follows the Oct. 7 escalation in the Middle East, with Hanano drawing parallels to previous patterns of backlash against Muslims after terrorist incidents in Germany. “These events tend to trigger a surge in anti-Muslim racism, amplified by political and media narratives that often portray Muslims as a security threat,” she said.
She warned that this narrative creates a climate of suspicion, emboldening individuals to act on their prejudices. “It is particularly disturbing that even children and teenagers are now facing verbal and physical assaults in public spaces,” she added.
With over 84 million people, Germany has the second-largest Muslim population in Western Europe after France. Among the country's nearly 5 million Muslims, 3 million are of Turkish descent.
Civil society organizations are urging the government to implement stronger protections and proactive policies to address rising Islamophobia.
Türkiye has taken diplomatic initiatives to initiate criminal proceedings against the perpetrators and provides legal support to Turkish citizens facing attacks.
While officials explained to decision-makers and the public in countries where the attacks took place that the offenses have nothing to do with freedom of thought, diplomatic efforts are being made to criminalize Islamophobic actions and find a permanent solution.
Türkiye has also taken initiatives on multilateral platforms in 2023, leading efforts against Islamophobia with organizations such as the U.N., the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the OIC and the Council of Europe.
Source: dailysabah.com
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https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/anti-muslim-attacks-in-berlin-surge-by-nearly-70-in-2024/news
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The Archbishop of Albania visited Muslim Leaders in Tirana
Jun 11, 2025
Recently, Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania visited Bujar Spahiu, the leader of the Muslim Community of Albania, and Haji Dede Edmond Brahimaj, the leader of the Bektashi.
This visit continues the tradition of harmonious coexistence and cooperation established by Archbishop Ioannis’s predecessor, Archbishop Anastasios.
The Archbishop emphasized that “we stand together as always—in times of joy and in times of difficulty. Religious harmony is a great treasure for our country, and it is something we must always strive to preserve in order to demonstrate that it is possible to live together, even when we have different beliefs.”
The pillars of interfaith cooperation in Albania, established by Anastasios, promote peace as a fundamental condition for the country’s cohesion, prosperity, and social tranquility.
The goal remains preserving and strengthening interreligious collaboration in service of peace, security, and coexistence. All sides must act preventively to avoid actions or initiatives that might undermine peace in the country.
Furthermore, in the spirit of mutual respect and trust, the Center for Coordination Against Violence and Extremism has established formal partnerships with each religious community in Albania and with the Interreligious Council as a whole.
The late Archbishop Anastasios, whose spirit continues to guide his successor, worked for peace because his Christian soul could not justify any war, injustice, aggression, or violence committed in the name of religion.
With patience, he built infrastructures of peace in Albania, improving living standards, thought, education, health, and culture.
These infrastructures of peace help people reclaim their dignity. From the moment he first set foot in Albania, he never clashed with those who held different worldviews.
Archbishop Ioannis also looks upon every person with respect, regardless of their beliefs. He speaks the language of love because it is universal.
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
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EU Statement at the IAEA Board of Governors on the NPT Safeguards Agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran
11.06.2025
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, Monaco, North Macedonia, San Marino, Norway and Ukraine.
The European Union thanks the Director General for his comprehensive assessment under this agenda item and commends the DG and the Secretariat for their professional, independent and impartial work in verifying Iran's safeguards obligations.
The EU remains gravely concerned by Iran’s protracted failure to sufficiently cooperate with the Agency in resolving long outstanding safeguards issues and that the Agency remains unable to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. It is deeply regrettable that, despite five Board resolutions and many reasonable opportunities provided over the past six years, Iran has not fulfilled its legal obligation to clarify the outstanding issues regarding undeclared nuclear material or facilities. Instead, Iran repeatedly either failed to respond to or provide technically credible answers to the Agency’s questions, while pursuing activities consistent with concealment efforts, including extensive sanitisation and the provision of inaccurate explanations. This has impeded the Agency’s verification activities and obstructed the effective implementation of safeguards.
We note with deep concern the Agency’s conclusion in its latest report that three locations, and other possible related locations in Iran were part of an undeclared structured nuclear programme carried out by Iran until the early 2000s, and that some activities used undeclared nuclear material. We also note that the Agency has no credible indications of an ongoing, undeclared structured nuclear programme. As clearly stands out from the report, the locations were part of undeclared structured activities involving inter alia the production of components for nuclear-device-related testing. The Agency assesses that Iran retained undeclared nuclear material and other assets arising from the former undeclared structured nuclear programme, which the IAEA is unable to locate. This means that, today, this nuclear material is unaccounted for in Iran and might be outside safeguards. Iran’s actions as reported in the Director General’s comprehensive report raise serious doubts about Iran’s upholding its safeguards obligations and it is therefore for the Board of Governors to consider further action.
In the context of the serious findings outlined in the report, the repeated statements by former high- level officials in Iran related to Iran having all capabilities to manufacture nuclear weapons have become even more worrying. Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state in the world to produce and accumulate uranium enriched to 60%. The potential proliferation-related implications of Iran’s rapid accumulation of highly enriched uranium urgently requires international attention.
We urge Iran to resume the provisional implementation and bring into force the Additional Protocol to its Safeguards Agreement, to assist the Agency to provide credible assurances on the absence of undeclared nuclear activities. Iran is the only State with a CSA that is not implementing modified Code 3.1 in contravention of the legal obligations set out in its Safeguards Agreement. This significantly obstructs the Agency’s visibility of relevant activities and undermines the effective implementation of safeguards in Iran.
We share the DG’s assessment that Iran has, over several years, used the withdrawal of the designation of experienced inspectors in such a way that it undermines the Agency’s ability to conduct effective and efficient safeguards. In this regard it is deeply regretful that Iran has not reversed its previous decision, as requested by the Board and the DG.
To conclude, we fully support the Agency’s long-standing efforts to achieve the required progress from Iran on all unresolved safeguards issues, with the aim to provide assurance of the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. Based on the facts presented in the DG’s report and in this statement, we endorse the draft resolution tabled by France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America for this Board, and call on all Board Members to support it. In line with the draft resolution, which, inter alia, finds Iran to be in non-compliance with its obligations under its CSA in the context of Article XII.C of the Agency’s Statute and which further finds, consistent with Article 19 of Iran’s CSA, that the Agency is not able to verify that there has been no diversion of nuclear material required to be safeguarded under the CSA, we urge Iran to remedy its non-compliance with its CSA obligations and cooperate with the Agency swiftly and substantially.
With this, the EU looks forward to further regular reporting from the Director General and requests that this report be made public.
Source: eeas.europa.eu
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Russia has world’s most advanced nuclear weapons – Putin
11 Jun, 2025
Russia possesses the most cutting-edge nuclear weapons in the world, guaranteeing the country’s sovereignty and the global balance of power, President Vladimir Putin has said.
Addressing a government meeting on the national armament program on Wednesday, he urged that “special attention” be paid to the continued development of the nation’s nuclear triad.
‘Nuclear triad’ is a term used to describe the combination of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic bombers, which can carry nuclear payloads. These weapons systems ensure that a nation’s nuclear forces cannot be destroyed in a first-strike disarming attack.
“Now, the share of the state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in our strategic nuclear forces comes to 95%,” the president told the meeting, adding that Russia is making “good progress” in this regard.
“That is the highest level among all of the world’s nuclear powers,” Putin stated.
A similar assessment was made by Air Force General Anthony Cotton, the commander of the US Strategic Command.
“Russia is currently in possession of the largest and most diverse nuclear arsenal of any nation,” Cotton said in March 2024, warning that Russia’s capabilities exceed those of the US.
Russia has significantly upgraded its nuclear arsenal in recent years. The Sarmat ICBM was approved for combat duty in September 2023. One of Russia’s most capable nuclear weapons, the Sarmat has an estimated range of 11,000 miles (about 18,000km), with a payload of around ten tons.
Russia should not focus only on nuclear weapons, according to Putin, but should develop a new long-term armament program focused on various types of the most advanced weapon systems and based on the experience gained in the Ukraine conflict.
Moscow and Kiev have heavily relied on drones in the conflict. The Times reported in May that Russia is beating Ukraine in “the drone race” both in terms of development and battlefield use. The newspaper pointed to Russia’s fiber optic drones, which are “altering the physical make-up of the front line, the tactics of the war and the psychology of the soldiers fighting it.”
Source: rt.com
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Mideast
Pezeshkian urges Islamic unity to support Palestinians and counter Israel
Jun 11, 2025
Tehran, IRNA – President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for unity and coordination among Islamic nations in support of the Palestinian people.
“The full utilization of diplomatic and political capacities to immediately halt the Zionist regime’s crimes in Gaza will continue,” the president said during a meeting with Jamil Mezher, the deputy secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who is visiting Tehran at the head of a delegation.
Pezeshkian described supporting the oppressed around the world, especially the Palestinian people, as a “fundamental and unchangeable policy rooted in the authentic teachings of the Islamic Revolution.”
Addressing the ongoing atrocities committed by the Israeli regime and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the president said, “The primary reason for the continuation of this oppression and brutality is the lack of unity, solidarity, and coordination among Islamic countries.”
He added, “What we seek is to strengthen convergence, brotherhood, and good neighborliness in the Islamic world and to achieve a unified stance on regional and international issues, including the Palestinian cause.”
Mezher, for his part, thanked the Islamic Republic’s consistent and principled support for the Palestinian cause. “We sincerely appreciate President Pezeshkian’s supportive, enlightening, and unifying positions in defense of the Palestinian issue,” he said.
The Palestinian official also stressed the importance of unity among resistance groups in countering the Israeli regime, and called on the Islamic world to put an end to the massacre of the people of Gaza.
Source: irna.ir
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https://en.irna.ir/news/85859288/Pezeshkian-urges-Islamic-unity-to-support-Palestinians-and-counter
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Extremist Ben Gvir leads settler storming of al-Aqsa Mosque
11 Jun 2025
Extremist Itamar Ben Gvir led the settlers' storming of al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday, under heavy guard from Israeli enemy forces.
Al-Quds governorate reported that 486 settlers, led by extremist minister Ben Gvir, stormed al-Aqsa Mosque, accompanied by senior Israeli officers, through Mughrabi Gate, under heavy security guard. They performed racist Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.
The storming coincided with Israeli forces removing worshippers from the mosque and removing al-Aqsa guards from their posts to make way for Ben Gvir and the groups of settlers who accompanied him.
These groups conducted provocative tours inside the mosque's courtyards, received explanations about the so-called "alleged temple," and performed Talmudic rituals in front of the Dome of the Rock, before later withdrawing through the Chain Gate.
Local Palestinian sources from inside the Old City reported that approximately 100 Israeli occupation forces were deployed in the courtyards of al-Aqsa Mosque to secure the incursion by Ben-Gvir and a number of his party's representatives, in a scene described as provocative and aggressive.
Israeli occupation forces tightened their military measures at the gates of al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing dozens of worshippers from entering or performing prayers.
They also confiscated the ID cards of several Palestinians and obstructed the access of others, as part of a systematic policy to empty the mosque of its residents, coinciding with the repeated incursions.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3497320.htm
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Jihad mourns death of its leader, Raeq Basharat, in Tubas
11 Jun 2025
The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has moured the death of its leader, Raeq Abdulrahman Basharat, to the Palestinian people and the Arab and Islamic world. Basharat was assassinated by the Israeli special forces last night in the town of Tamoun, south of Tubas.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the Islamic Jihad Movement said, "The martyred leader played a prominent role during the 1987 Intifada and was subjected to an assassination attempt in 2002, during which his wife was martyred and his hands were amputated."
It noted that Basharat had been arrested numerous times, totaling over nine years, and had gone on a hunger strike for 53 days in 2022 to protest his administrative detention before his release. It emphasized that Basharat "never hesitated to fulfill his duty and pursued his responsibilities with unwavering determination and resolve."
The movement stressed that the targeting of leaders and mujahideen by the Israeli enemy's gangs will not weaken the resolve of the Palestinian people, nor will it weaken the resistance's will to continue confronting the occupation. Rather, their pure blood, which waters the land of Palestine, will produce generations more resilient and more formidable.
Source: saba.ye
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Israel to expel French nationals on Gaza aid boat by end of week
June 12, 2025
JERUSALEM: Israel is to expel by the end of the week four French nationals held after security forces intercepted their Gaza-bound aid boat, France’s foreign minister said Wednesday, as an Israeli NGO said one of the French campaigners was briefly put in solitary confinement.
The announcement came as France’s prime minister accused activists aboard the boat — who hoped to raise awareness about the humanitarian situation in war-torn Gaza — of capitalizing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for political attention.
The four, who include Rima Hassan, a member of European Parliament from the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party who is of Palestinian descent, will be deported on Thursday and Friday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X.
They were among 12 people on board the Madleen sailboat which was carrying food and supplies for Gaza before it was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters off the besieged Palestinian territory on Monday.
Four, including two French citizens and Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, agreed to be deported immediately.
The remaining eight were taken into custody after they refused to leave Israel voluntarily, according to Adalah, an Israeli rights NGO representing most of the activists.
All 12 of them have been banned from Israel for 100 years.
Adalah said on Wednesday that Israeli authorities had placed French MEP Hassan and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila in solitary confinement, with Hassan later removed.
“Israeli authorities transferred two of the volunteers — the Brazilian volunteer Thiago Avila and the French-Palestinian European Parliament member Rima Hassan — to separate prison facilities, away from the others, and placed them in solitary confinement,” Adalah said in a statement.
The NGO later said that Hassan had been moved back to Givon prison in Ramla, near Tel Aviv, while Avila remained in isolation.
When asked for comment, Israel’s prison authority referred AFP to the foreign ministry, which said it was checking the reports.
Adalah said Hassan was put in isolation after writing “Free Palestine” on a prison wall.
The NGO said Brazilian activist Avila was placed in isolation “due to his ongoing hunger and thirst strike, which he began two days ago.”
“He has also been treated aggressively by prison authorities, although this has not escalated to physical assault,” it added.
The leader of Hassan’s LFI party in parliament, Mathilde Panot, said France’s prime minister Francois Bayrou had failed to condemn Israel’s actions.
The party’s boss, Jean-Luc Melenchon, accused Bayrou of “abandoning the French prisoners,” and called on President Emmanuel Macron to step in.
“These activists obtained the effect they wanted, but it’s a form of instrumentalization to which we should not lend ourselves,” Bayrou responded in the National Assembly.
It’s “through diplomatic action, and efforts to bring together several states to pressure the Israeli government, that we can obtain the only possible solution” to the conflict, he added.
Foreign Minister Barrot also rejected Panot’s criticism, saying “the admirable mobilization” of French officials had made a rapid resolution of the situation possible “despite the harassment and defamation that they have been subjected to.”
France and Saudi Arabia are co-hosting a UN meeting later this month in New York on steps toward recognizing a Palestinian state and reaching a so-called two-state solution to the conflict.
Israel is facing mounting pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, whose entire population the United Nations has warned is at risk of famine.
Israel’s defense minister Israel Katz on Wednesday called on Egypt to block a hundreds-strong pro-Palestinian activist convoy from reaching Gaza, as the group arrived in the Libyan capital of Tripoli.
Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7, 2023 attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says the retaliatory Israeli military offensive has killed at least 55,104 people, the majority civilians. The United Nations considers these figures to be reliable.
Out of 251 taken hostage during the Hamas attack, 54 are still held in Gaza including 32 the Israeli military says are dead.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604219/middle-east
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Milei says Argentina to move Israel embassy to Jerusalem in 2026
June 11, 2025
JERUSALEM: Argentine President Javier Milei said Wednesday his country would move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, the status of which is one of the most delicate issues in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.
“I am proud to announce before you that in 2026 we will make effective the move of our embassy to the city of west Jerusalem,” Milei said in a speech in the Israeli parliament during an official state visit.
Argentina’s embassy is currently located near the coastal city of Tel Aviv.
Several countries, including the United States, Paraguay, Guatemala and Kosovo, have moved their embassies to Jerusalem, breaking with international consensus.
Israel has occupied east Jerusalem since 1967, later annexing it in a move not recognized by the international community.
Israel treats the city as its capital, while Palestinians want east Jerusalem to become the capital of a future state.
Most foreign embassies to Israel are located in the coastal hub city of Tel Aviv in order to avoid interfering with negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.
In 2017, during his first term as US president, Donald Trump unilaterally recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, sparking Palestinian anger and the international community’s disapproval.
The United States transferred its embassy to Jerusalem in May 2018.
Source: arabnews.com
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Egypt backs ‘pressure on Israel’ but says Gaza actions need approval
June 11, 2025
CAIRO: Egypt said on Wednesday that it backs efforts to put “pressure on Israel” to lift its blockade on Gaza, but added that any foreign delegations seeking to visit the border area must receive prior approval through official channels.
Egypt “asserts the importance of putting pressure on Israel to end the blockade on the (Gaza) Strip,” the foreign ministry said as hundreds of activists in a Gaza-bound convoy head to the Egyptian border on their way to the besieged Palestinian territory, but added “we will not consider any requests or respond to any invitations submitted outside the framework defined by the regulatory guidelines and the mechanisms followed in this regard.”
Source: arabnews.com
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South Asia
DMP bans gatherings near SC, CJ's residence until further notice
Jun 12, 2025
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has once again imposed a ban on public gatherings, processions, and rallies near the official residence of the chief justice, the Supreme Court, and surrounding areas, effective from Saturday until further notice.
In a public notice issued today, DMP also urged all concerned not to block roads in the name of protests or demands, as such actions disrupt vehicular movement.
The ban was imposed by DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali under Section 29 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance, 1976, citing the need to maintain public order.
The restricted areas include the vicinity of the chief justice's official residence, the Judges' Complex, the main gates of the Bangladesh Supreme Court, Mazar Gate, Jame Mosque Gate, the entrances to International Crimes Tribunals 1 and 2, and the area in front of the Judicial Administration Training Institute.
Earlier, the DMP had imposed similar bans on these locations, along with other key points, saying that they would remain in effect until further notice.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/dmp-bans-gatherings-near-sc-cjs-residence-until-further-notice-3915271
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Yunus 'lost all options', flew to London to meet Tarique: BNP's Fazlur Rahman
Jun 12, 2025
BNP chairperson's adviser Fazlur Rahman said Yunus had flown to London to meet BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman, as he has exhausted all his options in Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while addressing an Eid reunion and cultural evening organised by Boribari Union BNP at the Boribari High School ground in Itna upazila of Kishoreganj last evening.
"I said that a snake straightens up when it goes into its hole. After losing all his options in Bangladesh, now Prof Yunus has taken a 12-hour flight to London to talk to our leader Tarique Rahman to find a way forward," he said.
"Even 15 days ago, Prof Yunus did not give one hour of time even after BNP asked for time for six days.
"That discussion with Tarique Rahman will be on Friday. I hope Yunus will speak honestly and truthfully. Our leader Tarique Rahman has all the power and qualities to run Bangladesh," he said.
Fazlur Rahman also said, "Prof Yunus, you are nine years older than me, you are my mentor. You are a Nobel laureate. I hope you will save this country through discussions with Tarique Rahman. I do not want to protest anymore."
"Now only the people of Bangladesh want to vote. People could not vote for MPs in 2014, the Awami League voted on their own, no one contested. In 2018, Sheikh Hasina swore in her father's name, saying that she would hold fair elections. But on election day, it was seen that she was voting the day before at night. And in 2024, they elected as a dummy."
He also said, "I am anti-Razakar. If no one likes me for this, don't vote for me. I don't want votes."
District BNP Vice President lawyer Umme Kulsum and former chairman of Itna Upazila Parishad, District BNP Joint General Secretary lawyer Aminul Islam Ratan, spoke as special guests at the Eid reunion programme, presided over by Boribari Union BNP President Habibur Rahman.
Other local BNP leaders were also present.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/yunus-lost-all-options-flew-london-meet-tarique-bnps-fazlur-rahman-3915221
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23 Bangladeshi pilgrims died during the hajj in Saudi Arabia this year
Jun 12, 2025
A total of 23 Bangladeshi pilgrims have died while performing hajj in Saudi Arabia this year, according to the latest update from the Hajj Management Portal of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The report, released early today, mentions that among the deceased, 21 were men and two were women.
A breakdown of the deaths by location shows that 15 occurred in Makkah, seven in Madinah, and one in Arafat. No deaths have been reported in Jeddah, Mina, or Muzdalifah.
The most recent death was that of Golam Mustafa, 58, from Ullapara Model Thana in Sirajganj. He passed away on June 10 due to cardiac arrest.
The hajj was held this year on June 5, 2025. A total of 87,100 Bangladeshi pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage – 5,200 under government management and 81,900 via private agencies.
According to official records, the number of deceased Bangladeshi pilgrims was 65 in 2024 and 121 in 2023.
Source: thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/23-bangladeshi-pilgrims-died-during-the-hajj-saudi-arabia-year-3915236
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Afghanistan, Uzbekistan Sign Preferential Trade Agreement at Tashkent Forum
2025-06-11
KABUL(BNA): Afghanistan and Uzbekistan signed a preferential trade agreement and an accompanying action plan during the 4th Tashkent International Investment Forum. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi and Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov.
The new preferential trade agreement aims to reduce tariffs and eliminate trade barriers, facilitating smoother access to markets for both nations.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the signing of the Joint Action Plan marks a crucial step toward strengthening economic relations, supporting the private sector, and encouraging sustainable trade development in the region.
During their discussions, both ministers expressed a strong commitment to expanding economic ties and establishing practical platforms for long-term cooperation, underscoring the importance of collaboration in fostering mutual growth and investment.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-uzbekistan-sign-preferential-trade-agreement-at-tashkent-forum/
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US Defense Chief: Americans led majority of Afghanistan war effort
By Fidel Rahmati
June 12, 2025
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate most of the Afghanistan war effort was carried out by American forces.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth sparked backlash after downplaying NATO allies’ contributions to the war in Afghanistan during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday, June 11. He asserted that “the vast majority of the effort was American,” minimizing the significance of international support in the two-decade-long conflict.
NBC News reported that Hegseth’s remarks drew immediate criticism from lawmakers, particularly Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Connecticut. Coons emphasized the sacrifices of smaller allied nations, such as Denmark, which endured high casualty rates despite limited military capacity. “To suggest that their losses were less meaningful is simply wrong,” Coons stated.
While Hegseth acknowledged the sacrifices made by coalition partners, he insisted that the United States bore the primary burden of the war. “We appreciate those contributions,” he said, “but the core of the mission was carried out by U.S. forces.”
A total of 32 countries participated in the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan. According to the U.K. Ministry of Defence, Britain lost 457 soldiers — the second-highest toll after the United States. Canada, Germany, and Italy also sustained notable casualties.
Critics argue that undermining allies’ roles damages trust and weakens future multilateral military collaborations. Former NATO commander Gen. Wesley Clark told PBS, “Solidarity among NATO partners is essential, especially when facing emerging global threats.”
Hegseth’s comments have reignited debate over America’s unilateralism in military affairs and the value of its alliances. With shifting global dynamics and rising security challenges, defense diplomacy may need a recalibration rooted in mutual recognition and shared sacrifice.
As the U.S. reflects on its post-Afghanistan military strategy, voices within and outside Washington urge a more inclusive narrative that honors the collective efforts of all nations involved. Dismissing allied contributions could hinder future coalition-building in potential conflict zones.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/us-defense-chief-americans-led-majority-of-afghanistan-war-effort/
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Arab World
3-Month Ban On Midday Outdoor Work In Saudi Arabia From June 15 to Avoid Direct Exposure To The Sun
June 11, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a three-month ban on outdoor work between noon and 3 p.m. for all private sector establishments, effective from June 15 to Sept. 15.
The ministry said employers must ensure workers avoid direct exposure to the sun during this period and urged them to adjust working hours accordingly, with the goal of reducing occupational injuries and health risks.
The regulation, issued in cooperation with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, aims to protect workers’ health and promote a safer working environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
To support implementation, the ministry has published a procedural guide on preventing sun exposure and an advisory guide for working in hot environments. Both are available on its website.
Violations can be reported via the ministry’s hotline — 19911 — or its smartphone app.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604163/saudi-arabia
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Hajj Moves On: Pilgrimage Shifts To Cooler Seasons For Next 25 Years
WAAD HUSSAIN
June 11, 2025
MAKKAH: Hajj this year will be remembered not only for its spiritual significance but also for its climatic turning point. According to the National Center of Meteorology, the 1446 Hajj season officially marks the end of the pilgrimage coinciding with the peak summer months, a pattern that will not return for another 25 years.
Over the next two decades, the Islamic lunar calendar will bring Hajj progressively into cooler seasons. Eight upcoming pilgrimages will take place in spring, followed by another eight in winter. After that, the dates will fall in autumn, gradually warming again until Hajj re-enters the summer cycle around the year 2050.
This shift is part of the natural lunar cycle, which causes the Islamic calendar to shift backward by about 10 to 11 days each Gregorian year. For Saudi authorities, climate experts, and pilgrims alike, the change provides relief from one of the most challenging aspects of performing Hajj: having to endure blistering desert temperatures.
For decades, the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance infrastructure and expand services during Hajj have often had to work around the burden of extreme heat. From providing cooling mist fans and shaded walkways to using emergency teams trained in heatstroke response, the challenge of keeping millions of pilgrims safe during peak summer has been central to planning.
“This marks a pivotal moment,” said Hamza Al-Dosari, a Riyadh-based geographer and climate researcher. “The summer pilgrimage has always brought with it additional risks — dehydration, heat exhaustion, and logistical pressures. Moving into spring and winter seasons means significantly reduced heat exposure for the pilgrims, and this will have both health and operational implications.”
Al-Dosari said the coming years will offer a rare opportunity to rethink how the Hajj experience is managed. “We’ll be seeing pilgrimages that occur in temperatures often 10 to 15 degrees lower than what we’ve dealt with in recent years. This changes everything, from the energy load on cooling systems to how fast emergency response teams can work. It also makes the pilgrimage more accessible to the elderly and those with chronic conditions.”
He also noted that this shift does not remove the need for continued environmental preparation. “Spring and winter bring their own weather patterns — rain, wind, occasional cold snaps. The planning doesn’t get easier; it just changes. But it will be a welcome adjustment for many.”
For pilgrims such as Sarah Al-Abdulmohsen, who performed Hajj this year, the news that future seasons will be cooler came with mixed emotions.
“I’m incredibly grateful I made it this year, but the heat was truly overwhelming,” said the 32-year-old Saudi from Dhahran. “At one point in Mina, I checked my phone and it said 47°C. You try to focus on your prayers, but your body is screaming for shade and water.”
Al-Abdulmohsen said she was thrilled to hear that future pilgrims will perform their rituals under gentler weather. “It’s good news. This will make a huge difference for the elderly and for families who’ve always worried about how the heat might affect their loved ones.”
She added that the intense conditions only strengthened her admiration for the logistics of the pilgrimage. “Despite the temperature, I saw volunteers helping people constantly — giving out water, spraying cooling mist. But you can’t deny that cooler seasons will make Hajj more comfortable, even emotionally. You’ll have more clarity of mind, more presence in your prayers.”
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques have not yet released public statements on how this seasonal shift will influence future planning, but the long-term outlook is promising.
“This could be a historic period for rethinking pilgrim services,” Al-Dosari said. “Think about transportation, food distribution, energy consumption — all of these improve in moderate weather. Even spiritual engagement may deepen, as pilgrims won’t be fighting against their physical limits to complete the rituals.”
With temperatures expected to be in the 20s and 30s Celsius in future seasons, planners may also be able to expand the use of outdoor spaces and reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems, helping to align Hajj services with Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals under Vision 2030.
While many are welcoming the change, some seasoned pilgrims may find themselves nostalgic. Summer Hajj has been the norm for most Saudis under 40, with its own rhythm, expectations, and sense of trial. The struggle against heat has long been part of the journey’s narrative, testing faith and endurance.
Yet, for many others, especially those who delayed Hajj because of health concerns, this shift will finally open the door. With temperatures easing, the coming years could mean an increase in the number of pilgrims who were previously unable to perform the rituals due to medical or age-related reasons.
As the lunar calendar resets the course of one of Islam’s most important rituals, this transition may redefine what Hajj looks and feels like for an entire generation, not just spiritually, but physically and emotionally as well.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604136/saudi-arabia
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Several arrests made in drug crackdown across Saudi Arabia
June 11, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi authorities have made numerous drug-related arrests throughout the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Border Guard patrols in the Al-Raboah sector of the Asir region arrested 14 Ethiopians for smuggling 260 kg of qat. In a separate incident, four Ethiopians were arrested for smuggling 28 kg of qat in Al-Farsha governorate.
Security patrols in Asir also arrested a citizen with 11 kg of qat in the same governorate.
In the Al-Dayer sector of the Jazan region, authorities thwarted an attempt to smuggle 600 kg of qat. In another case, Border Guard patrols arrested an Ethiopian trying to smuggle 80 kg of qat.
The General Directorate of Mujahideen in Jazan arrested two citizens for selling hashish, while the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two Pakistanis and an Indonesian in Jeddah with 1.5 kg of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.
A citizen was also arrested in the Baha region for selling amphetamine.
Preliminary legal procedures have been completed for all individuals, and the seized narcotics have been handed over to the authorities.
The Saudi government urges anyone with information about smuggling or customs offenses to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number +966114208417, or email 1910@zatca.gov.sa.
All information is treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid information.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604171/saudi-arabia
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Saudi, Dutch deal to enhance farm services
June 11, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Co. for Agricultural Services, known as AgriServ, and the Netherlands’ Delphy signed a cooperation agreement during the recent GreenTech exhibition in Amsterdam.
The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in the agricultural sector by transferring best practices and advanced expertise, enhancing operational efficiency and improving services for farmers and agricultural establishments across Saudi Arabia.
It was signed by Omar Alsuhaibani, CEO of AgriServ, and Jacco van der Wekken, CEO of Delphy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The partnership will focus on improving services in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector, including cooperation on certification, specialized training programs, and technical consultations for farmers and agricultural projects.
AgriServ is a government entity established by Cabinet decision and is tasked with providing agricultural services assigned by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604165/saudi-arabia
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Saudi king, crown prince condemn shooting that killed 10 students in Austrian school
June 12, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday offered condolences to Austria over a shooting attack that killed 10 and injured 11 at a secondary school, according to the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.
In a message to Austrian President Alexander van Deir Beilin, King Salman condemned the attack as a “disgraceful criminal act” and expressed “deepest condolences and sincere sympathy” to the people of Austria and relatives of those killed. He also wished the injured “a speedy recovery.”
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also prime minister of the Kingdom, sent a similar message to the Austrian leader.
Police said the shooter, armed with two legally owned guns — a shotgun and a pistol — attacked the Dreierschuetzengasse secondary school in Graz region on June 10 before taking his own life.
A teacher and nine teenagers aged between 14 and 17, were among the victims, Austrian press agency APA reported.
Of the eleven wounded, nine were still in intensive care but in a stable condition on Wednesday, according to hospital officials.
The shooter was a 21-year-old former pupil at the school in Graz region, but never finished his studies there, local media quoted probers as saying.
During a search at the suspect’s home, police found a “non-functional” homemade bomb, a farewell letter as well as a video message addressed to his mother, none of which offered any clues about his motive.
The government declared three days of mourning for the victims. Church bells rang out across Austria as people stopped in the streets, radio and TV programs were interrupted and public transport was halted.
Media commentators highlighted how easy it is for Austrians to get firearms, and pointed to the relatively high number of weapons in circulation.
During a visit to Graz, President Van der Bellen said the country was still “in deep, deep shock” following the “abominable... horror we all experienced.”
“If we come to the conclusion that Austria’s gun laws need to be changed to ensure greater safety, then we will do so,” he told a memorial event on Wednesday.
Austrian newspapers ran headlines that read “Why?” and “It’s horrific,” with the daily Kurier opting for a front page all in black.
Grieving Austrians held tearful memorials for the victims. Mourners cried, hugged and left flowers, candles and letters to the victims in churches and outside the school.
Condolences poured in from leaders across Europe, with Pope Leo XIV offering his “prayers for the victims of the tragedy” at his general audience on Wednesday.
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2604217/saudi-arabia
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Africa
NOC, NSC Parley Sports Federations on LA 2028, Islamic Games, Youth Olympics
June 12, 2025
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), National Sports Commission (NSC) and the national sports federations yesterday deliberated in Abuja on Nigeria’s participation in major sporting activities, including Los Angeles 2028, the Islamic Games in Riyadh in November 2025, the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in November 2026 and the School Games in Algeria.
The parley had in attendance the Chairman NSC, Shehu Dikko, the President NOC, Habu Gumel, the DG NSC, Bukola Olopade and the chairmen of sports federations.
Gumel told reporters after the meeting that they discussed how Nigeria would excel in the upcoming games, including how to raise funds from government and the private sector to enable Nigeria feature in the qualifications, the games proper and make the country proud.
“I’m so glad that it’s a joint meeting between the Nigerian Olympic Committee, all the national federations, Olympic sports and the chairman and the DG of the National Sports Commission. We we rubbed minds on issues of mutual understanding, because we have to collaborate with one another and to work together in the interest of our country. And I’m happy that a lot of the national federations asked questions, clarified issues and gave advice. The chairman and the DG of the NSC were able to answer all the questions to the happiness of everybody.
“So far, so good, it’s was a very important meeting,” observed Gumel.
He added that after the meeting, the stakeholders visited the NOC secretariat new site in Abuja for assessment of the progress of work and for NSC to also cue in into the project.
In his remark, the NSC Chairman, Dikko, said the meeting focused on how the critical stakeholders could all collaborate on issues within sports and to work together to make the sector better in the country.
He charged the sports federations as the operational officers, to align into the vision and take ownership of the mandate which President Bola Tinubu has given to the NSC.
“Because everybody needs to own that vision, that mandate to create a sports economy in Nigeria and see what we can do together. So that’s basically the charge. They have to keep working as one team, they have to keep driving forward together and then success is guaranteed at the end of the day,” Dikko said.
He also elaborated on the claims that some of the sports federations were not happy with their policies.
Dikko said that though that was partly discussed but there would be further discussions at the next meeting where the sports federations come up with a resolution to the NSC for the next line of action.
Source: thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/06/12/noc-nsc-parley-sports-federations-on-la-2028-islamic-games-youth-olympics/
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‘My Job Is To Make Sure I Give Tinubu’s Critics High Blood Pressure’ – Wike
June 12, 2025
By Rachel Okporu Fadoju
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to ensure that President Bola Tinubu’s critics develop high blood pressure.
Naija News reports that Wike made the remark during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with other roads in the Katampe district of the capital city, by President Tinubu on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
The former Governor of Rivers State said he realised while watching television that some individuals harbour resentment towards Tinubu and are unhappy with his good works since assuming office in 2023.
While appreciating Tinubu for being part of the country’s revolution, the minister vowed to continue rolling out commendable projects that would further cause trouble for the President’s opponents.
He said, “Sometimes, I don’t know, spiritually I was touched. I was just touched to turn it (TV) on, and I was watching, and I didn’t realise that people could be in pain, but now I know that such people are in pain.
“I now must make sure I continue to give them high blood pressure. As they continue to be in pain, it’ll be sweetening us, and that’s now my job.
“I’ll be happy, moving around, and laughing every time, and they’ll be there shouting, fighting, and killing themselves. So, Mr President, thank you for being part of this revolution.”
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/06/12/my-job-is-to-make-sure-i-give-tinubus-critics-high-blood-pressure-wike/
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June 12: Presidency Confirms Cancellation Of Tinubu’s Nationwide Broadcast
June 12, 2025
By George Oshogwe Ogbolu
The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not be addressing Nigerians via a nationwide broadcast to mark Democracy Day.
The Special Adviser to the President On Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the President would instead address a joint session of the National Assembly today, June 12.
He stated that President Tinubu, in his speech at the National Assembly, will dwell on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1993.
Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, Democracy Day.
“In his speech, he will dwell on our nation’s democratic journey since 1993, celebrate the heroes and heroines of our democratic struggle, and speak on his plans to build a prosperous country, which will benefit all Nigerians.”
Naija News reported earlier that President Tinubu had cancelled the June 12 national broadcast earlier scheduled as part of activities lined up to celebrate Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Anniversary.
The cancellation of the national broadcast comes on the heels of the earlier announcement that the Federal Government has decided to cancel the military parade that was to commemorate the 26th Democracy Day, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025.
According to details released by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Democracy Day celebration, President Tinubu will instead participate in a special joint session of the National Assembly at 12 noon.
This joint session is anticipated to include discussions on the State of the Nation, reflections on Nigeria’s democratic journey, and renewed appeals for national unity and reform.
Later that day, a public lecture is planned to take place at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja at 4 pm.
Source: naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/06/12/june-12-presidency-confirms-cancellation-of-tinubus-nationwide-broadcast/
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Kenyan President condemns death in Police custody, orders swift investigation
June 11, 2025
Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday condemned the death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang while in police custody, calling it “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” and urged a prompt and transparent investigation.
Ojwang, a blogger active on X and Facebook, was arrested last weekend for posting allegations of corruption against a senior police officer. He was detained in western Kenya and later transferred over 250 kilometres to Nairobi without a court order, according to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
His death in custody has sparked national outrage and protests, marking a fresh flashpoint in ongoing concerns over police brutality in the country.
Disputed Cause of Death
Initial police reports claimed Ojwang died by suicide after allegedly hitting his head against a cell wall. However, a post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Bernard Midia contradicted that account. “The cause of death is very clear—head injury, neck compression, and additional injuries across the body, all pointing towards assault,” he told reporters.
President Ruto, in his first public response to the incident, urged the public not to “make premature judgments or draw conclusions” that could interfere with ongoing investigations. He directed the National Police Service to fully cooperate with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure a credible inquiry.
Officers Suspended
In response to mounting pressure, five police officers have been suspended from active duty to facilitate the investigation. Protesters have accused the Deputy Inspector General of Police of being directly implicated in the case.
The incident has reignited criticism of the Kenyan police, who have faced repeated allegations of human rights abuses, including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
President Ruto acknowledged growing public concern over the conduct of police forces and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ending unconstitutional and abusive practices by law enforcement.
Source: africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2025/06/11/kenyan-president-condemns-death-in-police-custody-orders-swift-investigation/
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Southeast Asia
Mowed down at red light: Teen girls killed in Temerloh, drugs found in driver’s car
By Malay Mail
12 Jun 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Two teenage girls were killed after their motorcycle was rammed by a car while they were stopped at a traffic light at Jalan Tengku Ismail in Temerloh last night.
Temerloh district police chief ACP Mazlan Hassan said the incident, which occurred at around 11pm, claimed the lives of 18-year-old Yamaha Ego Avantiz rider Nur Irdina Shaffiya Muhammad Nazri and her pillion rider, Aneez Irdiena Sofya Khairul Azman, national news agency Bernama reported today.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
“Initial investigations indicate the girls were travelling from Mentakab towards the Bukit Angin roundabout. While stopped at a red light, a Perodua Bezza, believed to have failed to slow down, crashed into the rear of their motorcycle,” he said in a statement today.
Mazlan added that the bodies were taken to Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah for post-mortem examinations this morning.
Separately, a search of the car led to the discovery of plastic packets suspected to contain syabu and heroin, with an estimated street value of over RM6,000.
The 38-year-old driver, who is from Kepong, Kuala Lumpur, has been detained for further investigation under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/06/12/mowed-down-at-red-light-teen-girls-killed-in-temerloh-drugs-found-in-drivers-car/180077
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Daripada beban jadikan aset: Tuntaskan isu bangunan terbiar
Bernama
12-06- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Tidak ubah seperti rumah “berhantu” yang sering digambarkan dalam filem seram, bangunan terbiar meliputi projek pembangunan terbengkalai dan juga bangunan lama serta bersejarah namun terabai, bukan sesuatu yang luar biasa di negara ini.
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Kawasan sarat dengan semak samun - malah ada struktur itu sendiri yang sudah ditumbuhi pokok - tidak hanya menyakitkan mata memandang, namun turut berisiko mengundang bahaya kepada masyarakat sekitar dalam bentuk penyakit seperti denggi dan ancaman haiwan berbisa umpamanya ular.
Selain itu, bangunan lama ini turut berpotensi menjadi “pangkalan” kegiatan tidak bermoral ataupun sarang penagih.
Menyifatkan isu ini sudah terlalu lama berlarutan, pakar berpendapat sudah tiba masa permasalahan tersebut dituntaskan, lebih-lebih lagi ketika negara sedang giat menarik kedatangan pelancong asing bersempena dengan Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.
Sakit Mata
Berkongsi pandangan, pensyarah di Jabatan Kejuruteraan Awam, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Prof Madya Dr Norwati Jamaluddin berkata isu bangunan tinggal, baik projek pembangunan separuh siap ataupun bangunan warisan, tidak harus terus dibiarkan terabai.
Katanya ini kerana kewujudan bangunan sedemikian membawa cabaran keselamatan kepada komuniti setempat, di samping mencacatkan pemandangan di kawasan berkenaan.
“Selain keadaan bangunan yang kelihatan usang, kebiasaannya premis terbiar atau diabaikan ini cenderung mewujudkan persekitaran berbahaya dengan potensi berlaku runtuhan stuktur bangunan yang tidak diselenggara.
“Bahkan, tempat sedemikian juga selalunya menjadi tempat ‘popular’ individu tidak bertanggungjawab melakukan pelbagai kegiatan tidak bermoral seperti vandalisme, menghisap dadah dan lain-lain yang boleh menyumbang kepada perbuatan jenayah dan ketidaktenteraman awam di kawasan sekitar,” katanya kepada Bernama.
Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Wilayah Persekutuan) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa sebelum ini dilaporkan berkata sebanyak 48 premis dan bangunan terbiar dikenal pasti di sekitar ibu kota setakat 20 Feb lalu.
Katanya berdasarkan rekod terkini Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), daripada jumlah itu sebanyak 25 merupakan bangunan kediaman manakala 23 lagi premis komersial.
Menurut Dr Zaliha lagi, isu bangunan terbiar bukan hanya berlaku di pinggir kota, tetapi juga di kawasan strategik pusat bandar raya seperti Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu dan Jalan Gombak yang mempunyai nilai komersial berpotensi tinggi.
“Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah atau Jalan Ipoh mempunyai beberapa unit kediaman komersial ditinggalkan, mencerminkan kemerosotan bandar atau pembangunan terbantut selain beberapa premis di Lorong Tiong Nam dengan kebanyakan deretan kedai lama yang usang,” Dr Zaliha dipetik berkata dalam laporan itu.
Menurut Jabatan Perumahan Negara pula, setakat 31 Mei lalu terdapat 17 projek perumahan swasta terbengkalai (kategori statik) di seluruh negara dengan ada yang sepatutnya siap pada 1989.
Selain itu, jabatan tersebut turut merekodkan 45 projek perumahan swasta terbengkalai yang kini dalam kategori sedang dipulihkan.
Selain bangunan komersial dan kediaman swasta yang dilaporkan terbiar, isu sama turut terpalit pada premis milik kerajaan persekutuan dan negeri, antaranya kompleks Mahkamah Persekutuan yang berstatus bangunan warisan.
Terletak bertentangan dengan Dataran Merdeka, bangunan itu dilaporkan oleh media sebagai terbiar pada Januari lalu. Turut dikatakan terbiar ialah kompleks bangunan pejabat kerajaan negeri di Jalan Changkat Jong, Teluk Intan, Perak yang pernah menjadi tumpuan komuniti setempat untuk pelbagai urusan rasmi kerajaan.
Nilai ekonomi
Mengulas lanjut, Norwati berkata mana-mana premis atau hartanah yang terbiar mendorong ke arah mengurangkan nilai hartanah di sesebuah kawasan serta boleh menjadi beban ekonomi kepada agensi berkaitan termasuk Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT).
“Merujuk laporan jurnal dari luar negara, terdapat kajian yang menunjukkan bahawa hartanah terbiar ini akan mengurangkan nilai hartanah tersebut antara 6.5 hingga 20 peratus merangkumi kawasan kejiranan.
“Ia juga menjadi beban ekonomi pada PBT dalam bentuk kehilangan hasil cukai dan kos yang berkaitan seperti penyelenggaraan, pemulihan serta dari segi penguatkuasaan undang-undang di kawasan berkenaan,’’ tambahnya.
Selain itu katanya bangunan terbiar juga boleh dikaitkan dengan teori ‘tingkap pecah’ (Broken Window Theory) yang disifatkan sebagai satu isyarat kepada kerosakan lebih besar jika tidak ditangani dengan sewajarnya.
Misalnya, kata beliau, jika bangunan atau sesebuah premis itu terus dibiarkan usang, impak kerugian akan berganda sekiranya perlu kepada pembinaan semula.
“Selain itu, meskipun bangunan-bangunan terbiar itu kebanyakannya milik swasta, secara tidak langsung turut memberi kesan kepada kerajaan yang menerima tempias daripada imej tidak baik, terutamanya berhubung pengurusan bangunan ini.
“Justeru itu, kerajaan perlu melakukan penilaian untuk melihat sama ada bangunan sesuai digunakan semula, perlu dirobohkan atau membina bangunan baharu di tapak sedia ada,’’ katanya.
Kebimbangan
Sementara itu, pensyarah di Fakulti Kejuruteraan dan Alam Bina, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Ar Nasrudin Sharkawi berkata situasi lambakan bangunan terbiar mencetuskan kebimbangan dari sudut perancangan bandar, nilai hartanah serta kelestarian persekitaran dalam industri pembinaan.
Nasrudin mengakui kewujudan projek perumahan dan bangunan terbengkalai turut mencerminkan kegagalan dari segi penyelarasan dan pelaksanaan projek dalam industri pembinaan negara.
“Ada beberapa faktor yang dikenal pasti menyumbang kepada fenomena ini, antaranya reka bentuk yang tidak praktikal atau tidak mengambil kira konteks setempat, yang akhirnya menyebabkan projek gagal menarik pembeli atau penyewa meskipun pembinaannya telah siap.
“Selain itu, kemungkinan berlaku ketidaktelusan atau kelemahan dalam pengurusan projek oleh pemaju termasuklah masalah kewangan, masalah kekurangan tenaga buruh, konflik dalaman di pihak kontraktor atau kegagalan mendapatkan kelulusan teknikal daripada PBT,’’ katanya.
Kelewatan atau pembatalan dana, khususnya dalam projek kerajaan, turut menyumbang kepada isu berkenaan apabila struktur dan binaan tersebut terpaksa ditinggalkan dalam keadaan separuh siap.
Jelasnya, sekiranya projek tersebut hendak disambung semula, kos penyiapan baki kerja adakalanya lebih mahal berbanding kos asal projek kerana akan melibatkan kos-kos tambahan lain seperti pembaikan struktur yang rosak akibat terbiar serta akibat vandalisme dan kecurian di tapak pembinaan yang tidak dikawal dengan baik.
“Dalam konteks pasaran bebas pula, terdapat projek pembangunan, terutamanya dalam sektor komersial dan perumahan mewah, yang dirancang tanpa melihat pada keperluan sebenar pasaran.
“Ini secara tidak langsung mengakibatkan lebihan unit yang tidak terjual atau tidak disewa. Apabila pelabur tidak mendapat pulangan seperti dijangka, bangunan dibiarkan kosong, dan jika terus dibiar dalam jangka masa panjang tanpa sebarang penyelenggaraan, bangunan bertukar menjadi struktur terbiar yang menyumbang kepada kemerosotan fizikal persekitaran kawasan berkenaan,’’ ulasnya.
Beliau berkata hal sama turut berlaku pada bangunan berstatus warisan kerana terikat antara keperluan dalam pemeliharaan nilai sejarah atau menyesuaikan kegunaannya mengikut kehendak semasa.
Katanya dalam kebanyakan keadaan, wujud pelbagai masalah dalam memulihara warisan itu termasuk dari segi perundangan, garis panduan konservasi yang dianggap terlalu ketat serta ketiadaan insentif bersesuaian untuk pemilik, menyukarkan usaha membaik pulih bangunan tersebut.
Solusi menyeluruh
Mengulas lanjut, Nasrudin berkata pendekatan bersepadu dan holistik perlu diambil oleh agensi berkaitan bagi menangani isu bangunan terbiar itu bermula di peringkat akar umbi.
Beliau berkata Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT), kerajaan negeri dan setiap PBT di negara ini perlu menjalinkan kerjasama rapat bagi membangunkan pangkalan data bersepadu yang mengandungi senarai lengkap bangunan terbiar itu termasuk senarai projek sakit.
Katanya data itu perlu dikemas kini secara berkala dan disediakan secara terbuka kepada agensi berkepentingan bagi tujuan perancangan dan pembinaan semula premis berkenaan.
“Laksanakan juga audit menyeluruh terhadap tahap kerosakan, status pemilikan dan potensi penyesuaian guna semula setiap bangunan, termasuk klasifikasikan bangunan mengikut kategori tindakan, iaitu sama ada perlu dibaik pulih, guna semula atau hapuskan dengan kawalan.
‘’Selain itu, perlu ada semakan semula undang-undang pemilikan strata dan pewarisan, terutamanya bangunan yang dimiliki secara berlapis oleh banyak individu, agar tidak menghalang pemulihannya,’’ katanya.
Tambahnya, kerajaan negeri juga boleh menawarkan insentif cukai, pengecualian caj pemajuan atau pinjaman mudah bagi pemilik atau pelabur yang berhasrat mengaktifkan semula bangunan terbiar serta mewujudkan skim kerjasama awam dan swasta untuk pembangunan semula secara strategik.
KPKT turut disaran merangka dasar nasional yang menggalakkan guna semula bangunan lama termasuk pemilikan kerajaan untuk fungsi baharu, antaranya ruang kerja bersama, pusat komuniti, ruang kebudayaan serta pelbagai fungsi lain yang bersesuaian.
Langkah itu seiring dengan cadangan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sebelum ini yang mahu kerajaan meneliti semua ruang dan bangunan kosong milik agensi, syarikat pelaburan berkaitan kerajaan (GLIC) dan syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC) untuk dimanfaatkan.
Anwar dalam kenyataannya sebelum ini berkata bangunan kosong atau tidak lagi digunakan termasuk kuarters guru dan rumah tinggalan, mungkin boleh dibangunkan semula sebagai petempatan untuk golongan gelandangan dan miskin tegar.
Dalam pada itu, Nasrudin berkata PBT juga boleh mengambil inisiatif dengan mengenakan penalti kepada pemilik bangunan yang sengaja membiarkan struktur mereka terbiar dan membahayakan orang awam.
‘’ Pemilik harus menyedari bahawa membiarkan bangunan terbiar terlalu lama akan memberi kesan negatif kepada nilai hartanah, keselamatan awam dan imej kawasan.
‘’Sehubungan itu, pengaktifan sementara boleh dibuat sekiranya pemilik tidak mampu membaik pulih sepenuhnya, maka mereka boleh menyewakan ruang untuk kegunaan sementara seperti stor, gerai pop-up (ruang jualan sementara), studio seni atau pameran yang secara tidak langsung membendu
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/cerita/berita/daripada-beban-jadikan-aset-tuntaskan-isu-bangunan-terbiar-ND14246821
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Malaysia seeks lower tariff rates for key sectors in US talks on June 18 -Tengku Zafrul
12-06- 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is seeking lower tariff rates for selected sectors under the United States’ (US) 10 per cent minimum tariff, particularly for industries deemed critical to both economies, ahead of another round of negotiations in Washington on June 18.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the talks aim to secure fairer terms for Malaysian exporters affected by the new baseline tariff announced by the US administration.
“The US currently imposes a 24 per cent tariff on certain Malaysian exports. And of course, our first target is to reduce that rate. The second is to identify sectors that should ideally be subject to tariffs below 10 per cent.
“We need to consider sectors that are important to Malaysian exporters and also crucial to the US economy,” he told a press conference after launching the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026–2030, here today.
However, the specific sectors under negotiation were not disclosed.
In April 2025, the US government announced new tariff measures affecting more than 60 countries, including Malaysia. The implementation of these tariffs has been temporarily paused for 90 days to allow room for negotiations.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-seeks-lower-tariff-rates-for-key-sectors-in-us-talks-on-june-18-tengku-zafrul-JD14248706
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Government mulls proposal to establish TVET Commission - PM ANWAR
Bernama
12-06- 2025
MELAKA: The government is mulling over the proposal to establish a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission in line with the TVET reform agenda that is being actively implemented.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this was because the development of TVET under the National TVET Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has shown encouraging results, including an increase in the number of students.
“I appreciate the role of the TVET Council, but as those closely monitoring the sector’s development, we must consider proposals such as establishing a dedicated commission for TVET, and we will assess this as swiftly as possible in response to the sector’s evolving needs.
“With the number of students and types of training increasing, I, together with the Ministry of Finance, will look into whether current facilities are adequate and how to create synergy between government-linked companies, private sector players, and existing TVET institutions.”
Anwar said this when opening the National TVET Day 2025 celebration at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Ayer Keroh, here today.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/government-mulls-proposal-to-establish-tvet-commission-pm-anwar-ND14248371
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